Friday, February 24, 2012

Module 2: Justin Morgan had a horse

Bibliography
Henry, M. (1974). Justin Morgan had a horse.                                                          
NY: Rand McNally & Co.

Summary
When a young boy, Joel Goss, first sees the horse he calls Little Bub, he instantly forms a bond.  Through many hardships, such as Joel going to live with another family to make money for his family, Joel survives to save his money so that some day he can buy Little Bub.  In the meantime, Little Bub, Justin Morgan's horse is sold and resold and becomes a racehorse.  Finally, one snowy day, when Little Bub is older and cannot race anymore, Joel, a grown man, happens upon him and buys him.  Bub, who is sick and weak is nursed back to health by his trusted friend, Joel.

My Impression
 Well written historical fiction book which includes not only customs of America in the 1700's, but an emotional theme of friendship and loyalty.
Reviews
School Library Journal
"With Grandfatherly ease, John McDonough narrates this classic horse story, a Newbery Honor book by Marguerite Henry (Wilcox & Follett, 1945). Listeners are tossed emotionally from high to low as the story of a boy and his love for a special horse unfolds.  Justin Morgan, a Vermont schoolmaster in the late 1700's receives two horses as payment for a debt. Joel Goss, the son in the household where Morgan boards, is with Morgan when the odd colt he call "Little Bub" is acquired and participates in Bubs training and competitions, with the seemingly impossible goal of someday saving enough money to buy the stalwart runt of a horse. Tracing the history of a famous American horse breed, the Morgan, this quality tape, will to please horse lovers and provide satisfying fare for family listeners".    
Use in Library
This title can be used as an introduction to Newbery Honor Books, a unit on horse stories, as an author study of Marguerite Henry, or used in conjunction with a history unit of the 1700's. Henry wrote some 50 books about horses during her lifetime.  Library media specialist could have a Booktalk including several of Henry's titles.

Review. (1997, December 1).  [Review of the audiobook Justin Morgan had a horse, by Marguerite Henry]. School Library Journal. Available from: http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2110/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=124f3dc2-b349-4ae1-be83-568098187448%40sessionmgr114&vid=7&hid=103
Image from http://books.simonandschuster.net/Justin-Morgan-Had-a-Horse/Marguerite-Henry/9780689852794/high_res_images (Originally published in 1954.)

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