Children are frequently drawn to animal stories. The reasons for this are many. Children can identify with pets, and often learn valuable life lessons from these animals.
As they grow older, some children become fascinated with horses. Children’s literature has long had wonderful horse stories that have inspired and fulfilled the yearnings of children. Since horses are beautiful, exciting and require a great deal of care and attention, youngsters often see them as ideal pets. While many authors have written about horses, one author has been unusually successful in creating horse stories. Her name is Marguerite Henry, and one of her finest novels is “Justin Morgan Had a Horse.”
Shortly after the American Revolution, young Joel Goss and his schoolteacher Justin Morgan visit a farm in Massachusetts. The farmer owes Justin Morgan a sum of money but has had a recent string of bad luck. Looking into his pasture, he asks the teacher if he will take a large colt in payment for the debt. As the men debate the matter, Joel begins petting a small colt in the meadow. There is something unusual about the little horse. He has spunk and dancing eyes. Additionally, he moves quickly and seems to have a great deal of determination and resolve. Justin Morgan accepts the deal and leaves with the large colt. To everyone’s surprise the little colt insists on following. When they return to their home in Vermont, Joel begins training the small colt.
Though the colt is small in size, everyone soon learns that he has the heart of a champion. He pulls logs that large horses cannot move, and begins winning races against local horses. Joel begins as an apprentice to a miller, but keeps training the undersized horse. He longs to own the colt now named Justin Morgan after his owner. A pair of rich New Yorkers have heard of this special little horse. They grandly state that their famous thoroughbreds can easily win a race against Justin Morgan.
The day of the race the small, rough-looking horse lines up against the majestic stallions. The pistol shot starts the race. Justin Morgan begins pumping his short legs like pistons. The stallions confidently begin running. It was time to put this little horse in his place.
What happens? Does Justin Morgan defeat the New York thoroughbreds? What happens as both Joel and Justin Morgan grow into maturity? Does Joel ever get the chance to buy the small but mighty horse? How does heart and determination play into any situation in life?
Have you ever attempted something that was difficult but necessary to do? What did you learn from it? What do Joel and Justin Morgan learn about life? To find out the answers to these questions, go to the library and check out this fine novel, “Justin Morgan Had a Horse,” by Marguerite Henry.
Marguerite Henry is a highly acclaimed author in the field of children’s literature. She has won nearly every major literary award for children’s books. Her novels are invariably uplifting and inspiring, as well as filled with adventure and action. She also creates comforting environments in her books. This allows children to enter into this created world with eagerness and security.
Please go to the library with your children and check out this title, or any of her other outstanding books. I think this is a great story, and believe you will like it as well. Enjoy!
