Black Beauty (1877)

One that I never read in childhood, but it really is very good. Narrated by the eponymous horse, this follows him through a succession of homes, good and bad; he tells the stories of horses he meets along the way, and draws the reader's attention to the evils of certain horse tack; uncaring drivers; and the economic clime, whereby impoverished coachmen are forced to overwork their animals to make ends meet.
I picked up a sense that this could well be said to picture slavery (Ms Sewell was an abolitionist)...the good ...and the cruel masters, the overwork and brutality... ( )

I don't know how I missed this as a child when I used to read all the Marguerite Henry books about horses. I learned so much about taking care of horses and what they must go through. I'm not even sure if I want to ride one again. Fortunately, we do not have to depend on them for transportation anymore. I liked how Jerry stood his ground of not working on Sunday, and then was rewarded in the end. The writing was good and the book would probably appeal to anyone who is interested in horses from older child to adult. ( )

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I can't tell you how many times I read this as a child. The abridged version was my bedtime story on repeat for a few months, & for that it will always hold a place in my heart ( )

The first chapter book I read in Kindergarten ( )