Tough-O-Meter

We've got your back. With the Tough-O-Meter, you'll know whether to bring extra layers or Swiss army knives as you summit the literary mountain. (10 = Toughest)

(3) Base Camp

This book is simple and straightforward, with plenty of action and clear explanations; plus, the vivid first person perspective practically turns the pages for you. We almost gave this book an even easier rating, but we're bumping it up to Base Camp because you may need to Google some of the Victorian horse-related vocab. Do you know what a farrier is? An ostler? How about a bearing rein? Well, you're about to find out.