To continue our monthly series of book lists for youth, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following books.
Note: Many of the authors on this list have written multiple books about horses.
Foal by Gordon Clayton. With color photographs and brief captions, this book describes the growth of a pony from newborn to full-grown. See How They Grow Series. Grades P-2. Large print book LP 9893.
Billy and Blaze by Clarence Anderson. Billy loves his birthday present – a beautiful bay pony. Blaze and Billy have numerous adventures as a team. Grades K-3. Cassette book RC 11115.
Birthday Pony by Jessie Haas. Aggie's granddaughter Jane and a pony named Popcorn are born on the same day, but years of growth and training pass before the two are riding partners. Grades 2-4. Braille book BR 15921.
Leah's Pony by Elizabeth Friedrich. During the Dust Bowl, the farm where Leah lives with her family is struggling. The auctioneer is coming to sell things including Leah's pony until she thinks of a way to help. Grades 2-4. Print/Braille book BR 10026.
Everything Horse: What Kids Really Want to Know about Horses by Marty Crisp. Question-and-answer format covers a wide variety of horse-related topics, including behavior, characteristics, and usefulness. Sample questions: why they are mounted from the left, why thoroughbreds are assigned January 1 birthdays, and how some horses are becoming guides for the disabled. Grades 3-6. Cassette book RC 62681.
King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry. A mute stable boy cares for an Arabian stallion as they sail across the Atlantic headed to the French court. King Louis XV foolishly rejects the gift, unable to see that the horse will become the sire of champions, including Man of War. Newbery Medal. Grades 3-6. Braille book BR 9058. Cassette book RC 16570. Large Print book LP 21942.
Panda: A Guide Horse for Ann by Rosanna Hansen. Panda, a miniature horse, is a guide animal for a blind woman named Ann. Describes the introduction of miniature horses as guides, Panda's training, and their daiily routine. Grades 3-6. Braille book BR 16599.
Smokey the Cowhorse by Will James. A cowboy tells of a spirited horse from his birth on the open range, to his capture by humans, and finally to working as an outlaw rodeo star and saddle horse. Newbery Award. Grades 3-6. Braille book BR 15744. Cassette book RC 23452.
The Black Stallion by William Farley. When Alec Ramsay first sees the black stallion being forced aboard the ship on which he is a passenger, he has no idea that the magnificent creature will soon save his life. #1 Black Stallion series. Grades 4-7. Cassette book RC 44178.
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses retold by Paul Goble. In this Native American legend, one young woman is so connected to the wild horses of the plains that she leaves humanity to become one with the horses. Grades 4-7 or read-aloud for younger readers. Print/Braille book BR 10014. Cassette book RC 38551.
Horse Crazy by Bonnie Bryant. While at Pine Hollow Stables to ride and care for their horses, three junior high girls meet and form the Saddle Club. In this first installment, Carole and Lisa help Stevie think of a way to be allowed on the annual overnight ride. #1 Saddle Club series. Grades 4-7. Cassette book RC 48499.
Mr. Revere and I by Robert Lawson. An unconventional account of the American Revolution by the horse who becomes part of the Revere family and takes Paul on his midnight ride. Grades 4-7. Braille book BR 12338. Cassette book RC 48517 or CBA 62070.
My Friend Flicka by Mary O'Hara. Family life on a ranch and the Wyoming landscape are featured in this story of a boy's devotion to the care and training of his colt. Grades 4-7. Braille book BR 1612. Cassette book RC 22642. Large print (oversize) book LP 594.
The World According to Horses: How They Run, See, and Think by Stephen Budiansky. Discusses the evolution of horses and their running skills, communication, social life, intelligence, and relationship with humans. Grades 4-7. Cassette book RC 50864.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. Written to highlight the mistreatment of horses in nineteenth century England, a stallion tells of the cruelty of his various owners. Grades 5-8. Braille book BR 16469. Cassette book RC 41291. Large Print (oversize) book LP 18644 or LP 17844.
Black Horses for the King by Anne McCaffrey. When the future King Arthur wants to buy sturdy horses for his knights, Galwyn's talent with horses, his introduction of iron horseshoes, and his gift for languages secure his place at Camelot. Grades 6-9. Cassette book RC 45290.
Blood Red Horse by K. M. Grant. In medieval England, William joins the Crusades with his charismatic red stallion, Hosanna. The horse is the center of a strong connection between William, his brother Gavin, and Kamil, a young Muslim lieutenant. #1 De Granville Trilogy. Grades 6-9. Cassette book RC 60526.
National Velvet by Enid Bagnold. Fourteen-year-old Velvet is determined to turn her unruly horse into a champion and personally ride him to victory in the world's greatest steeplechase, the Grand National. Grades 6-9. Braille book BR 15997. Cassette book RC 60250. Large print (oversize) book LP 25.