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28th out of 391 books
—
278 voters
Justin Morgan Had a Horse
Joel's face suddenly lit up as if he had thought of something for the first time. He spoke now to the horse, as though he were the one that mattered. "Why, come to think of it, you're just like us, Bub. You're American! That's what you are. American!" In 1791 a Vermont schoolmaster by the name of Justin Morgan comes home with a two-year-old colt named Little Bub. Taken as...more
Hardcover, 176 pages
Published
October 1st 2002
by Aladdin
(first published 1945)
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Reading this book was like opening a door onto the past and descovering the history of a breed from the eyes of the very first foundling Sire, back at the beginning of all things. This story came to me from America, travelling a great distance like the adventure that this one little colt went on all those years ago. The most famous of the American breeds; the Morgan, is brought vividly to life in this charming childrens tale that is a national treasure of a horse/ pony story. The book may be des...more
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 trueaccount (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 whenlikabl...more
It all begins in 1791 whenlikabl...more
A childhood favorite re-visited.
Is the story as good as I remember? – Yes
What ages would I recommend it too? – All ages. Children will enjoy the single storyline; while adults enjoy an easy afternoon read (especially while waiting on a bus, show, doctor, or other appointments).
Length? – Reasonable for an afternoon.
Characters? – Memorable, and few enough that you won’t forget who is who.
Setting? – Real world, even includes President James Monroe.
Written approximately? – 1954.
Does the story leave...more
Is the story as good as I remember? – Yes
What ages would I recommend it too? – All ages. Children will enjoy the single storyline; while adults enjoy an easy afternoon read (especially while waiting on a bus, show, doctor, or other appointments).
Length? – Reasonable for an afternoon.
Characters? – Memorable, and few enough that you won’t forget who is who.
Setting? – Real world, even includes President James Monroe.
Written approximately? – 1954.
Does the story leave...more
If you went to Vermont, back in the time of the late 1700s... you would meet Justin Morgan. He was a man who had a problem. It all started because a farmer owed Justin some money. The farmer couldn't pay the debt, so instead, he gave a horse. To some people, that would be a wonderful thing to receive, but Justin didn't need a horse. He needed money.
One might say, "Sell the horse"--but that's just the problem. No one wants to use their money on a small, (VERY small), scrawny animal, who is weak...more
One might say, "Sell the horse"--but that's just the problem. No one wants to use their money on a small, (VERY small), scrawny animal, who is weak...more
Though a bit old fashioned, this is an interesting story based on fact. A Vermont schoolmaster, Justin Morgan, looks to settle some debts, so along with his young student Joel Goss, travels to a farmer friend to seek some money owed him. The farmer offers him two horses, in lieu of money, and Joel and the colt Little Bub become fast friends. The story follows the close but separate lives of Joel, serving an apprenticeship, and Little Bub, who doesn't look like much but is an amazingly intelligen...more
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Jul 31, 2011
Tanita S.
added it
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 ye...more
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 ye...more
I absolutely adored every horse book by Henry when I was young girl. Upon re-reading, decades later, I find that they're entirely worthy of my fond memories. I learn so much history, and so much about horses, and loyalty, and honor, and courage, from her stories. And Dennis's art is lovely and also educational. I think my very favorite will always be King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian but they're all classics that can appeal to new readers every generation.
Joel knew as soon as he saw the colt.
Not the larger one, who everyone thought would fetch a good price.
The smaller colt. The one with the ears that flicked forward with curiosity about everything. And with the intelligence to note the snakes on the month long trek back to Vermont. And the one that chased dogs until they ran lickety-split for home.
From that first moment, Little Bub was Joel’s horse. But would he ever be able to work and save hard enough to make their relationship last?
A sweet mid...more
Not the larger one, who everyone thought would fetch a good price.
The smaller colt. The one with the ears that flicked forward with curiosity about everything. And with the intelligence to note the snakes on the month long trek back to Vermont. And the one that chased dogs until they ran lickety-split for home.
From that first moment, Little Bub was Joel’s horse. But would he ever be able to work and save hard enough to make their relationship last?
A sweet mid...more
Read this in elementary school (not this edition, just love the horse on this cover). Didn't enjoy it quite as much as The Black Stallion, but that probably reflects my preference for the slightly more adventurous style of Walter Farley. On the upside, this book had neat historical details about life in America during the late 1700's.
Justin Morgan was broke. He got two horses from a man named Farmer Beane who owed a debt. Justin sold the oldest horse, Ebenezer, and kept short and stubby Little Bub because no one wanted him. Joel, Justin Morgan's student, took Little Bub and trained him as the first Morgan horse. This book took place in Vermont, which is a New England state.
This book is like me because I would be willing to find an animal that no one wanted and take care of it. Also I would love to own a horse like Joel's hor...more
This book is like me because I would be willing to find an animal that no one wanted and take care of it. Also I would love to own a horse like Joel's hor...more
I just finished this book It is now going on my favorite book list, to share with others.
This book is about this boy named Joel Justin Morgan, his school teacher,gave him Little Bub, a short scrawny little horse,so that Joel could gentle him for Justin Morgan. He became very attached with Little Bub but when the time came, Joel had to let him be sent off. after his apprenticeship time ran out Joel looked for Little Bub until one day... You should read the rest.
~Mimi~
This book is about this boy named Joel Justin Morgan, his school teacher,gave him Little Bub, a short scrawny little horse,so that Joel could gentle him for Justin Morgan. He became very attached with Little Bub but when the time came, Joel had to let him be sent off. after his apprenticeship time ran out Joel looked for Little Bub until one day... You should read the rest.
~Mimi~
Over all, my daughter enjoyed this book. She noted that the suspense was driven, as with Misty of Chincoteague, by the drama of "getting a horse." - Will they get it? Will they get to keep it? Will they find it again? "The author must really like to write about that," she said. I found this book a bit hard to read because it seemed to change points of views/methods of telling the story pretty dramatically. Some kids might have trouble following that. Justin Morgan, the man, dies in the middle of...more
Another horse story from childhood, another re-reading spent in part wondering how much of the story is true. There is a long list of references at the end, including people, organizations, and books. More documentation here than on King of the Wind, which makes sense since the events of this story are more recent than those of King of the Wind.
Recommended for young readers interested in horses and early American history.
Recommended for young readers interested in horses and early American history.
A much loved book I read as a child. If I remember correctly, a Walt Disney program featured a movie of Justin Morgan. Anyone else remember Sunday evenings at 6:00PM. I can still hear the music and I vividly recall watching it in colour for the first time! This was the only night I was allowed to watch TV while eating dinner. Come to think about it, that was pretty nice of my rather old school parents to let me do that.
I really appreciate how this book taught some history as well as appealing to girls who are just horse-crazy. Morgans sounded great after reading this--then in college I actually rode some. Morgans are CRAZY speed demons! Which makes me think that the breed might have been great for what Justin Morgan needed, but not so much for a hunter/jumper equitation class at a horse show.
A beautiful short story about a man and his horse.
Justin Morgan is given a horse as payment during a poor period. The horse turns out to actually be a very valuable horse when it is finally given the chance to prosper. It becomes a race horse and this story goes on to document how every man and his dog tries to swindle owners out of the rights to the horse.
A story for young adults or teens more than grown ups, but still an interesting observation about how everyone wants a piece of a good thin...more
Justin Morgan is given a horse as payment during a poor period. The horse turns out to actually be a very valuable horse when it is finally given the chance to prosper. It becomes a race horse and this story goes on to document how every man and his dog tries to swindle owners out of the rights to the horse.
A story for young adults or teens more than grown ups, but still an interesting observation about how everyone wants a piece of a good thin...more
Marguerite Henry can sure get a reader to love a horse. Based on a true story. Along with her better known books, Chincoteque, King of the Wind you love the boy/kids and the hope of "getting" the horse. Fun to read the language of the colonial times farmers and dandies. Good read-aloud with the family.
I had a chance, recently, to re-read this children's book. I have always been a lover of everything horse related since I was a small child. Marguerite Henry's "horse" books are both heart warming and a quick read. Perfect book type filler between the larger novels I'm use to reading.
Jun 08, 2012
Bekka
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
children-s,
illustrated
cute story! looks like its true as well - she has a lot of resources in the back. This was a very enjoyable story in the old-school tradition, which is about right, as she wrote it in 1945! Very reminiscent of the stories I remember reading as a child, and the ones I really loved.
Sep 18, 2007
Jordan
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
horse lovers
Shelves:
animals
I know I read this book, but I can't remember when exactly. I loved learning about how the Morgan horse came to be since I grew up for the first 10 years of my life at the racetrack watching my father train Thoroughbreds. I was obsessed with horses from a yound age and read any horse related book I could get my hands on. I saw "The Black Stallion" more times than I can recall and wished I could find an awesome black horse to call my own. I made my parents take me to the University of Vermont's M...more
This is a compelling story about an incredible horse and a boy who never gives up on him. I liked the historical angle that the story contained, the honorable character that Joel was, and the underdog nature of Little Bub.
A classic--this a great adventure story of historical non-fiction. Having married into a Vermont family, this is a particular favorite. Courageous, devoted, and purposed--Joel is a great hero!
Liam, Gabe and I listened to this book as a part of Liam's curriculum. We all loved it! What a great story about someone (a horse in this case and the boy who loves him) who doesn't look like much but can do great things! The boy is persistent and loyal and the horse is steady and strong.
A fun reread! Was impressed with the history, again, and its another book that covered the life of the horse, but neatly done. I'd forgotten how much the horse went through. Enjoyable read!
As a kid in the 1960s I looked forward to getting new horse books by Maruerite Henry for birthday or other special occasions. I was a horse fanatic.
I enjoyed this book as a child, loved it while reading it to my younger daughter and look forward to sharing it with grandchildren someday.
Read it as a kid. You can do anything you put your mind to. After Charlotte's Web, one of the first book to teach me that valuable lesson.
Jul 17, 2012
Sheila
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
young-adult,
read-aloud
A wonderful, touching horse story that I somehow missed reading in my preteen and early teen horse loving years. The relationship between Joel and Lil Bub was very special, and this book was all the more enjoyable because it is basically a true story about the horse that founded the Morgan horse breed.
I live in Vermont, my name is Morgan, and I really like horses. So yeah, one of my favorite children s books.
This is the first Marguerite Henry book I ever read. I loved it, and remember the story to this day!
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Marguerite Henry (April 13, 1902-November 26, 1997) was an American writer. The author of fifty-nine books based on true stories of horses and other animals, her work has captivated entire generations of children and young adults and won several Newbery Awards and Honors. Among the more famous of her works was Misty of Chincoteague, which was the basis for the 1961 movie Misty, and several sequel...more
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