Reviews (7)

Horses,History and Humans
Gaudenzia is an outstanding blend of horses, history and human interest. As a child I loved the story of how the cart horse became a champion. I thrilled to the traditions and pageantry of the Palio. As an adult I read this book to my son and realized there was a second story of the rider, who had persisted in his love for a horse.Even if you are not a horse lover,there are also some subtle lessons of ethics and loyalty in the story. This Is One Of The BEST Books I Ever Read!
I love horses, love to read, and Marguerite Henry is my favorite author, and out of all of her books (I've read them all), I think this is the BEST! About a year ago, I got a book from the library called "The Wildest Horse-Race In The World". I read it, and just loved it! I found out that it's original name was "Gaudenzia, Pride of The Palio". Now, I liked that name MUCH more than "The Wildest Horse-Race In The World"! Gaudenzia is the horse's name. It means "Joy of Living". The Palio is the race, which is run on July 2, the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and August 16. It is run around Siena, Italy, 3 times. There are many sharp, danguerous curves. Horses and riders are sometimes even killed. The prize for winning the race is a handpainted banner of the Blessed Virgin Mary.It is a religous race, and before it is run, the horses are brought into church, and blest, and the fantinos (riders) are blest by the archbishop. ... An unusual and exciting horse story
This book is easily one of Henry`s best horse tales- yet it somehow seems to get overlooked these days. The story combines her familiar young person/horse bond narrative with a fascinating look at the very unique Italian tradition of the Palio horse race. Dating from medieval times, the Palio, held in Siena, re-creates the old drama of the various rival city states. Along with this slice of history, the author gives us the character Giorgio Terni, an idealistic young man whose dream is to become a trainer of horses. He evantually does achieve this, also becoming a Palio rider and forging a friendship with the high-strung yet lovely and fast mare Gaudenzia. Everyone is ready to give up on the mare becoming anything but a work horse- except Giorgio, whose faith in her talents never falters. He devotes all of his time to her, regaining her trust in people and getting her in physical shape to race. He`s truly a good role model for animal-loving youngsters. The story never loses its momentum- as a sixth grader reading it for the first time, I could`nt put it down. I also recall how upset I was when Giorgio must ride a different horse in one Palio race, and how the rules of the game indicate that he must try to prevent Gaudenzia from winning, evento the point of striking her with his whip. These realistic dilemmas give the book an authenic feel. Like the Pie in National Velvet, Gaudenzia is an underdog horse who comes out on top regardless. I hope this one makes it back into print! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Horse racing    6. Italy    7. Palio Festival, Siena, Italy   

Reviews (59)

Review: King of the Wind
King of the Wind is a great book by Marguerite Henry.It is about a mute boy named Agba and his horse Sham.Agba goes with Sham on many adventures together.Agba goes with Sham from the royal stables in Morocco to Gog Magog.Sham also sires many winning foals and when he is gone, Agba goes back to Morocco.
good for it's directed age range
King of the Wind is a good story, and you are hearing that from someone with an aversion to horse stories. The book is about Sham, an Arabian horse and the stable boy who cares for him, Agba. When the sultan decides to send some horses to France as a gift Sham is chosen and Agba is sent with him. They are rejected because of size and Sham is given to the kitchen guy. From there he has some bad luck, them some good luck. Then sire the greasiest race horses ever.
Late Childhood Should Always Include Books This Special
The Christmas I was nine, I got a boxed set of Marguerite Henry novels and while I loved all of them and read them day and night during the break from school, I think this one goes down as my favorite. A few years after I first read this novel, my family moved and I discovered it was also, by a nice coincidence, one of the favorite books of a girl I met in our new neighborhood, who went on to be my best friend to this very day.That connection, too, makes this a special read. However you might come to possess this wonderful book, I think you'll agree, it's one to be cherished.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Horses    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Horses    7. Juvenile fiction    8. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (13)

Wonderful Memories
I am 45 years old and still have fond and vivid memories from when I read this book as a young girl.I read it over and over again and eventually collected the series.My dearest wish back then was to have a horse and I recall babysitting and finally saving enough money to buy a pony when I was 13.

Wonderful horse classics!
I read most of Margerite Henry's books as a child and loved them very much!I remember the amazement at realizing that Chincoteague and Assateague were real places!I have yet to get to Chincoteague for the pony roundup but I have visited many times over the years.I am buying these for the family library and hope my son grows to love them as I have.He is a little young now at age 3 but I plan to start reading them to him as he gets a little older!

Bring back the old covers!
These were some of my favorite books when I was a child, but these glossy new covers just take me out of the moment! Bring back the beautiful watercolor covers by Wesley Dennis! No Marguerite Henry fan should settle for less. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Fiction    4. General    5. Horses    6. Juvenile fiction    7. Ponies    8. Animal stories    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (9)

Another Great Book from Marguerite Henry
I couldn't put it down! So fast-paced I was finished in a jiffy! This story is about a small colt that no one thought was worth anything because of his tiny size.When he grew up he became known for his strength and quickness. True story about how the race of Morgan horses started!

Justin Morgan Had a Horse, by Marguerite Henry -- A wonderful book for kids to read: Highly Reccommended
"Justin Morgan Had a Horse," by Marguerite Henry is a book with three main characters: Justin Morgan, Joel Goss, and Little Bub.One day when Joel was a small boy, he was with Justin Morgan, a Vermont schoolmaster, at a farm in Springfield, Illinois.The owner of the farm, Farmer Beane had borrowed money from schoolmaster Justin Morgan, and the reason Morgan was there was to collect the money.Farmer Beane, who didn't yet have the money, offered Morgan two horses:Ebenezer, a large horse; and Little Bub, a small colt.When Joel and Justin Morgan got back to thier home in Vermont, Morgan sold Ebenezer, and let Joel break in Little Bub.One day a man wanted to rent Little Bub, and Morgan accepted.Little Bub worked hard for the man, and when the lease ended, Morgan rode Little Bub throughout Vermont on a singing circuit.But one day a sad thing happened.Joel received a letter telling that Justin Morgan was very sick and is going to die!After Justin Morgan died nobody knew where Little Bub went!Until one day...well...I'll let you find out by reading the story!

A wonderful book.
This is a special book to me, as it was the book upon which my son's first book report was written about a dozen years ago. It was also the last time he needed my collaboration on a school project.Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Horses    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Fiction    5. General    6. Horses    7. Justin Morgan (Horse)    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Morgan horse    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses   

Reviews (15)

enjoyed the book
I just discovered this delightful book.I find it ironic to read comments about burros being destructive......perhaps we humans ought to look in the mirror.We have been far more destructive to this national treasure than any burro.

His Free Spirit Haunts the Canyon
Set in the Grand Canyon during Teddy Roosevelt's presidency this charming tale introduces readers to an unlikely animal protagonist: a wild burro who lives alone, but has been partially tamed by kind men.Rescued first by the Old Timer, then from a cougar's wounds by the North Rim's resident lion-killer, Brighty experiences the gamut of human behavior toward animals and each other: from the absurd, the selfish, the ambitious, and even the criminal.As the only witness to the evil schemes of a thieving murderer, Brighty relies on his own natural instincts which warn him about vicious Jake Irons.
Times change, spirit endures
Marguerite Henry's charming story of a burro in the Grand Canyon during Teddy Roosevelt's time is still an informative, but fictional, introduction to the Canyon.As with most of her wonderful books, the bones of the story are true but the flesh is fiction.That's ok, because I don't think she ever represented them otherwise.The drawings by Wesley Dennis remain spirited and captivating.
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Subjects:  1. Animals - Horses    2. Animals - Mammals    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Donkeys    6. Fiction    7. Grand Canyon (Ariz.)    8. Juvenile fiction    9. Nature & the Natural World - General    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses   

Reviews (2)

A Wonderful Children's Biography
Marguerite Henry has a wonderful style of writing that keeps children's attention as they read.This is an excellent biography of a famous artist, and one that any child or adult would truly enjoy (whether or not they were interested in art).Where else can you learn of the ingenuity of a young boy, willing to use hair from his cat's tail to make his own paint brushes.I have read the majority of the books written by Marguerite Henry, and would highly recommend this one as one of her best.

Delightful children's biography
The biography of Benjamin West is a treat for any young person.The author's presentation of Quaker life is informative and accurate, and her style encourages the reader to keep reading.Benjamin West's childhood is well represented as he works, plays, and grows up in colonial America.His strength of character is revealed as he struggles with his desire to paint and draw while living in a culture that views pictures as frivolous and unnecessary.I have read this book with elementary students several times and they are always delighted with the story and learn a great deal about this American artist.Anyone who loves Marguerite Henry's horse stories will enjoy this biography as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Juvenile Fiction   

Reviews (8)

For the cowgirls in all of us...
I have always been a cowgirl, western, country girl my whole life. I bought this book a while back when I was into the Misty series and I wanted to know what were some of hte other books Henry wrote. This book was truly inspiring and beautiful. I was rooting for Annie the whole time! This is the perfect book for the biggest cowgirl and horse nut.

Lovely, a memorable story
When I was in Elementary School, I read all of the books in the school library that had to do with horses. Of all of them, this was my favorite. I've remembered it until today when I decided to refresh my memory from 7 years ago. I think it's so neat that books like this can stay with you and impact your outlook after so many years. This is such a beautiful and inspiring story, I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

" A Horse Story That You Would Want to Cherish."
Mustang:Wild Spirit of the West is a good story about a girl who loves horses all of her life. When she grows up, she tries to stop the killing of wild mustangs. It is a story that I'm sure you would enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Horses    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Fiction    6. Horses    7. Johnston, Annie Bronn    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Mustang    10. Wildlife conservation    11. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses    12. Westerns   

Reviews (23)

Not what I expected
When I bought this book, it looked pretty good and since it had more than a hundred pages, i thought i would enjoy it but i didnt.
Wonder ful Way To Learn About Breeds Of Horses!
I haven't read the new edition, but I have an old, 1960s hardcover from an antique store and it is beautiful! Henry's breed descriptions turn the history of a horse into a captivating story. Best of all, it is all factual! Dennis's amazing horse pictures illuminate the book and give it a charming touch. Being a devoted Appie lover and owner, I was particularly fond of the chapter on the Appaloosa! All the stories and accompanying artwork peices are spectacular, though, and it is my opinion that every junior rider worth her salt should have a copy of this book on their shelf.

If you are a horse lover.....
This Book has alot of information to all kinds of breeds.The illustrator,however drawes really realistic pictures!I really like the book cause I learn alot from it,and the pictures are soooo beautiful!!Horse lovers will totally love it!!!The font is quite big,so your eyes don't hurt while reading.Over all,this is a good book and I highly recommened it.Thanks for reading my review,and hope you enjoy the book!!(If you have it.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Farm Animals    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Horse breeds    5. Horses    6. Juvenile Zoological Sciences    7. Juvenile literature    8. Animals    9. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses   

Reviews (25)

Excellent for kids and adults
This book is excellent.Anyone of any age will enjoy the book immensely.This is one of the few books that I cried while reading to my kids.

Great Horse Story
It was great!I loved how it was Real and how U-See-It's colt (Black Gold) was able to get back in raceing, and how the trainer and the jockey kept their hearts up when there was bad time.It was a great book. I read it really carefully that how good it was! I recomend this book to everyone, even non- horselovers.Really read it, i mean it. P.S it was a ture story.
A kids review
I felt very sad reading this book because all the story characters died.But I liked the book alot because Black Gold won a lot of races and you see it.My favorite part was when You See It had her colt Black Gold. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Horses    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Fiction    6. Horse racing    7. Horses    8. Juvenile fiction    9. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses   

Reviews (9)

Sea Star: Orphan of Chincoteague
Sea Star
The Myrtle Cure
Although author Marguerite Henry had not envisioned a sequel to MISTY, she found herself touched by the real plight of a tiny orphan colt whose mother had died at Tom's Cove.Those plucky youngsters, Paul and Maureen Beebe, make the ultimate sacrifice: they decide to sell their beloved Misty in order to finance their uncle's education at Seminary. But when the Lord cloes one door, he often opens a window somewhere else.In this case the starving little type whickers his way into the children's grieving hearts, giving them something positive to work for: finding him proper nourishment. A great book!
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I felt like i was right there with Paul and Maureen. They are the two main charecters that found Sea Star on the beach. This book explains the little ponys struggle for life and how Paul and Maureen helped save the ponys life. The author explains everything so well that you dont want to put the book down, ever. If you like animals then you should read this book. The author did a great job explaining and keeping you on the edge of your seat the whole time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Horses    2. Children's 9-12    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Chincoteague Island (Va.)    6. Chincoteague pony    7. Fiction    8. Juvenile fiction    9. Ponies    10. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses   

Reviews (5)

An incredible book for both children and adults
Marguerite Henry was, in my opinion, one of the greatest children's authors. Once again, with San Domingo, she creates a winner. WONDERFDUL BOOK!
I thought this book was really good!!! I liked it a lot. I think that Marguerite Henry is a great author. I love her books! I thought this book was REALLY good. I would definetly reccomend this book to people!

This is one of the best books I've ever read!
This is a wonderful story. Marguerite writes superb books. This books is about a boy becoming a man and a father becoming a true father to his son. If there was a 10-star rating, I would give it to this book! Excellentstory. I definatly recommend it to the horse-lover. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Horses    2. Children's 9-12    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Horses    7. West (U.S.)    8. Horses & ponies    9. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    2. Horses    3. Horses - General    4. Juvenile literature    5. Non-Classifiable   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (5)

Born to write horse stories
Published in 1950, Born to Trot is another classic horse novel from the pen of Marguerite Henry. If you enjoyed her other novels such as Gone with the Wind, you will enjoy this book. You don't need to be a lover of horses to enjoy the story. It is classic children's literature at its best.
Born To Trot
Born To Trot is one of my favorite books!I have read this book twice and it's one of the best books I've ever read!It's based on a true story and I think you'll enjoy this book a lot.

One of the best and most informative horse books of all time
From the moment you pick up "Born To Trot" you can't put it down! Your instantly transported back into time and stuck by Gibson White's (stories man charecter) side. It's packed with a ton of horse info, about history's greats: Hambletonian, Rosalind and Greyhound. But this book, youwon't be disappointed! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Horses - General    2. Pets   

Reviews (5)

Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley
I loved this book as much as I loved Black Gold! This is a story of love, courage, and anger. It starts about a little girl named Molly who gets an old mare named Lady Sue for her tenth birthday. Molly in her heart, does not like Lady Sue. She wanted a wonderful hose as elegant as Secretariat. Then, when Lady has a baby mule everything changes. Molly raises Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley to win the King Mule Contest. Despite all of the teasing from Freddy Westover, Molly takes a leap of faith to create a champion out of the true King Mule - Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley.

Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley
The story is about a girl named Molly who wants a horse of her own, but her family can't afford a horse.So on Molly's tenth birthday her dad saved enough money to give Molly a really big surprise.Molly gets an old mare named Lady Sue.Molly acts like she is happy, but she wasn't that happy at all.She was not very grateful. Lady Sue had a baby mule named Brown Sunshine.Brown Sunshine became a beautiful young mule.Molly turned Brown Sunshine into a hard working mule.She became her friend. Brown Sunshine inspired Molly to write an award-winning essay.He became so beautiful that he won the King of Mule Day. The book was a fiction book and it was very well written. The setting was in the Sawdust Valley. It was a peaceful place until everyone started talking about Brown Sunshine.I liked this book because I am an animal lover and it was about an animal.It is also an enjoyable book to read and you can read it very fast. It is full of surprises. I recommend this book for boys and girls ages ten to fourteen.

Brown sunshine of sawdust valley
I loved this book it didn't take me long to read it but I loved it their were some dull parts but still i give it 5 stars. Most parts were really exiting. The part I liked the best was when she got a horse. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals - Horses    2. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Fiction    6. Mules    7. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Horses   

Reviews (8)

INSPIRED BLACK AND WHITE SKETCHES
Hans, a young boy,comes from a family of bakers.Nonetheless, he dreams of working with the handsome Lippizan stallions of Vienna.
Our Horses, Our Teachers
Ah, what can I say about such an important book in my life? Buy it.Now.
If you have any doubts about purchasing this book, forget them and buy itnow.I was given this book when I was a child (20 years ago) and itthrills to me to this day.Ms. Henry writes with such imagery that youfind yourself caught up as Hans, the young boy who is captivated by thestallions.Not only is the writing terrific, but so is the artwork.Thisstory is one of my all-time favorites. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Travel - Foreign