What do You think about Justin Morgan Had A Horse (2002)?
Meet Marguerite Henry, one of my favorite childhood authors. Why? Because all the stories I read by her were about horses, and like most young girls, I was horse crazy. Justin Morgan Had a Horse was her only chapter book that I remember reading through three times. I recommend it to all fellow horse-lovers out there. The true account (with a fictional twist) of how the popular breed Morgan came to be in the late eighteenth century, you’ll find it inspiring and fun.It all begins in 1791 when likable school teacher Justin Morgan accepts Little Bub, a scrawny colt, as payment for a debt owed him. Feeling he is stuck with the short end of the stick, Justin doesn’t see much potential for Little Bub. But he hands him over to Joel, an eager young student, as a project. It is Joel who discovers the unique, strong, and soon-to-be-famous horse he has the privilege of training. Turns out Little Bub isn’t so little; he’s a colt the world will not soon forget. Enjoy the exciting story of this obscure horse turned celebrity and get a history lesson while you’re at it. You’ll never look at Morgans quite the same way after you understand their memorable ancestor: Little Bub.Recommended read-aloud age: all agesRecommended read-alone age: 8 and upMy blog: www.oursureanchor.com
—Abigail Larsen
Oh, my goodness, I loved this book when I was a kid.At first I didn't. I wasn't horsey, and it was a book about a BOY. But, it was one of the rare fiction books I was allowed to read, because someone suitably churchy gave it to us, so I got to read it. And I think it surprised me, with its detail and life, and the fact that the boy had feelings and longings and failed and tried and succeeded. I learned that a.) boys were probably not subhuman and b.) horses might be interesting.And then a few years later, I got a job at a summer camp where I was required to Do Things With Horses. Who would have ever thought!?I can honestly say this is a classic.
—Tanita S.
This book, Justin Morgan Had A Horse, is a classic tale about Justin Morgan, the founder of a great American breed of horse. It all started because a farmer owed Justin some money. The farmer couldn't pay the debt, so instead, he gave him two horses. One large horse was named Ebenezer and the little runt was Lil Bub. Once they arrived back in Vermont, Justin Morgan sold Ebenezer and kept Lil Bub for Joel. Joel Goss was a young boy and one of Justin’s students. Justin had asked him to break the colt in and Joel had immediate connection with his horse. No one wanted Lil Bub since he was the runt, but with the help of Joel Goss, he treated Lil Bub with care and kindness. Soon Lil Bub was stronger than a pair of oxen and faster than thoroughbreds! He became known as the Morgan horse. Not only is this a story about the Morgan horse, it is also a story of Vermont during the War of 1812. No one for sure knew who sired the colt, but stories of his pulling strength and racing speed made this horse a legend. The author did a fantastic job writing the story and including true major events. This book was an interesting read and I definitely recommend it to kids and horse lovers of all ages. If you enjoyed this book I would suggest some other books by Marguerite Henry, including King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian, Misty of Chincoteague, Stormy, Misty’s Foal, and Misty’s Twilight.
—Jessica
