Now that I’m done reading government-ese for a living, I’m turning my eyeballs to some of my favorite childhood authors, and some kid’s classics that I somehow missed growing up. Because I’ve found that the storytelling and care in writing is frequently better in children’s books.
“Justin Morgan Had a Horse” is the story of the Morgan horse breed, excellently told by one of my favorite childhood authors, Marguerite Henry. She wrote primarily about famous horses and is most famous for “Misty of Chincoteague.”
“Justin Morgan” is a historical novel, immersing the reader in Revolutionary War-era America, as it follows Little Bub, a spunky foal, who comes under the ownership of singing schoolmaster Justin Morgan. Befriended by one of his students, the story tracks boy and horse through their lives, as they take their different paths through life, until finally — spoiler alert — they are finally united.
It’s a lovely book, written evocatively in language suitable for a young audience, while introducing historical elements and figures that give the story significant depth. Excellent all around. I’m picked it up at a used bookstore, and it’s a keeper.