Description
In 1864 Kentucky, an enslaved boy dares to pursue his dream of becoming a jockey.
Twelve-year-old Gabriel loves to help his father—one of the best horse trainers in Kentucky—care for the thoroughbred racehorses on Master Giles’s farm until the violence of war disrupts their familiar daily routine. When Gabriel’s father enlists in a Colored Battalion, Gabriel is both proud and worried.
But his father’s departure brings the arrival of Mr. Newcastle, a white horse trainer with harsh, cruel methods for handling both horses and people. Now it is up to Gabriel to protect the horses he loves from Mr. Newcastle and keep them safely out of the clutches of Confederate raiders.
In this first book in the Racing to Freedom trilogy, Alison Hart explores the complex relationships of the Civil War in a gripping work of historical fiction. The result is a gripping story that vividly brings to life the danger and drama of a time when war and issues of race and freedom divided the country. Background historical material and photos are included.
Reviews
“At the core of this stirring historical novel is the question of what freedom means…The boy’s first-person, present-tense narrative brings close the thrilling horse racing—on the plantation, at the race course, and in the war—and the African American history in all its complexity.” ―Booklist
“[A] fast-paced tale…. Readers will find this wonderful blend of history and horses appealing.” ―School Library Journal
“Hart’s knowledge of horses and her careful research into racing history enrich every page of this nuanced novel.” ―Washington Parent
Awards
Texas Bluebonnet Award (Master List) ―Texas Library Association 2008-2009
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Top Pick, Middle School/Junior High) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2008
Kentucky Bluegrass Awards (Master List, Grades 3-5) ―Kentucky Reading Association, Kentucky School Media Association, 2007-2008
Flicker Tale Children’s Book Awards (Nominee, Juvenile Books) ―North Dakota Library Association, 2008-2009
Golden Sower Award (Nominee, Intermediate) ―Nebraska Library Association, 2010-2011
KSRA Young Adult Book Award (Nominee) ―Keystone State Reading Association, 2008-2009
Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award (Nominee, Grades 6-8) ―State Library of Louisiana and Louisiana Center for the Book, 2010
Mark Twain Readers Award (Nominee) ―Missouri Association of School Librarians, 2009-2010
Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award (Nominee, Grades 6-8) ―Florida Association for Media in Education, 2009-2010
West Virginia Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―West Virginia Library Commission, 2008-2009
Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee, Intermediate) ―Association for Indiana Media Educators, 2009-2010
Lamplighter Award (Nominee) ―Children’s Crown Award 2007
Horned Toad Tales (Nominee) ―Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District 2008-2009
More Details
AR Level: 4.6
F&P: GRL V, Gr 5, Genre HF
Lexile: 730L
Themes: African-American History, Civil War, Horses
BISAC 1: JUV016200 JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
BISAC 2: JUV011010 JUVENILE FICTION / People & Places / United States / African-American
BISAC 3: JUV002130 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Horses
