August 3, 2010
We've all heard it: "I just want books about horses!" Next time that happens, whip out this list, and you'll be able to keep these readers busy for a long time. These aren't just horse stories, they're also novels of suspense, intrigue, coming of age, and friendship. Put out a display, and the covers alone will sell these titles.
CAMPBELL, Joanna. Faith in a Long Shot. HarperEntertainment. 2003. pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-0060090494.
Gr 4-8-This title is #57 of the long-running Thoroughbred series, which ran from 1991 until 2005, and is all about girls, friendship, horses and yes, boys. In Faith in a Long Shot, Melanie's favorite horse, Image, finishes second in the Florida Derby, and she contemplates entering him into the Kentucky Derby. Image will have to run against some very talented horses, and Melanie and her friend Jazz have some high stakes at risk. Series readers with the equine gene will rip through all 72 titles in the series.
HART, Alison. Gabriel's Horses. (Racing to Freedom Trilogy) Peachtree. 2007. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-398-6; pap. $4.99. ISBN 978-1-56145-528-7.
Gr 5-8-Hart has a way with horses. She's kicked off her "Racing to Freedom" trilogy with this strong historical fiction title. Twelve-year-old Gabriel, son of slaves, wants to follow in his father's stirrups and become a famous jockey. But the Civil War rages on, and soon he's trying to protect his horses from Confederate raiders and a harsh trainer who threatens to harm Gabriel's favorite mount. Hart weaves in the larger story of emancipation, freedom and choice during this very turbulent time in United States history.
HENRY, Marguerite. Black Gold. Illus. by Wesley Dennis. S&S/Aladdin. 1992. pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-689-71562-4.
Gr 5-10-Originally published in 1957, this title is timeless and will not disappoint the horsey set or any other middle school reader looking for a great story. When it was first reviewed, Kirkus stated that "Those children who like sad stories ... those who like true stories ... those who love horse stories ... will all find satisfaction in Marguerite Henry'slife story of BlackGold, that real stallion who won the fiftieth anniversary of the Run for the Roses at Kentucky Derby." Dennis' illustrations are still fresh and engaging and invite horse lovers that draw to work alongside him.
LUPER, Eric. Bug Boy. Farrar. 2009. Tr. $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-31000-4.
Gr 6-9-Readers will hear the thundering hooves, smell the stables, and experience the desperation of the Depression in Luper's title about high stakes horseracing in Saratoga Springs, NY, in 1934. Jack has just been elevated to apprentice jockey, or 'bug boy', and suddenly must deal with an aggressive and beautiful female bookie and a nasty gangster who wants him to throw a race. Worse, his father, who abandoned him years ago, appears at the track and needs Jack to do him a favor. You won't have to be a horse lover to enjoy this riveting and historically rich in detail story.
Gr 7-11-Weird. Someone is cutting off the tails of racehorses at Ryan and Jasper's stable. It's not like either of them is completely innocent, and then there is the flirty Sassy Calloway who keeps everyone guessing. Travis can barely keep his focus on his racing, and seems to be risking everything for this girl. Lots of scenes at the track will keep the horsey-set happy, and the suspense will keep readers pressing on through the story.
Horse books! There are never enough where I live- There is the picture book "I Rode the Red Horse" and a few more I have to add-- but right now, ironically, I am working at the racetrack in Saratoga (summer job away from the library) and a race just ended-- must get back to work!
Posted by Kim Monaco on August 4, 2010 02:18:47PM
another one, Hayseed's First Race, Caballito Press, by Sally Shrock, ISBN: 0982476620 (English Version)
ISBN: 0982476647 (Spanish Version)
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