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American Pharoah: Triple Crown Champion
From the author of Barbaro comes the triumphant story of the 2015 Triple Crown and Breeders Cup winner, American Pharoah.
When American Pharoah won the American Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2015 he became the first horse to win the “Grand Slam” of American horse racing, by winning all four races. His story captured American’s imagination, and this inspired account will also feature the handlers who saw his owner, Ahmed Zayat of Zayat Stables, trainer Bob Baffert, and jockey Victor Espinoza.
With American Pharoah , Shelley Mickle tells the story of this beloved horse’s life from birth to his historic achievement of becoming the twelfth Triple Crown winner.
When American Pharoah won the American Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2015 he became the first horse to win the “Grand Slam” of American horse racing, by winning all four races. His story captured American’s imagination, and this inspired account will also feature the handlers who saw his owner, Ahmed Zayat of Zayat Stables, trainer Bob Baffert, and jockey Victor Espinoza.
With American Pharoah , Shelley Mickle tells the story of this beloved horse’s life from birth to his historic achievement of becoming the twelfth Triple Crown winner.
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2019
9 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 8, 2017
What a fabulous story! While I've loved horses my whole life, I haven't spent a lot of time around them. Reading this book gave me a glimpse into a world I know little about. American Pharoah (yes, it's misspelled due to an error made when his name was registered). I delighted in reading about the birth, growing up, training, and racing of this remarkable animal. But this isn't just a story about a great horse, it's also the story of his grooms, his trainers, the riders, and the owner. It seems clear that those who spent much time around the colt recognized something special in him pretty early on, but of course, you don't really know for sure until racing training begins. Ironically, the owner, Ahmed Zayat tried to sell Pharoah when he was a yearling, but because of a bump on his foot, and a partially missing tail (nobody knows how this happened, it seems it was chewed off at some point), the bidding was not what Zayat wanted, so he kept the animal.
Further background is given on Pharoah's training as well as his trainer, Bob Baffert, and jockey, Victor Espinoza. But I think my favorite parts of the book were the parts about Pharoah himself. He seems to be a remarkably talented horse who also enjoyed being around people, and had a kind spirit. His love of baby carrots, dislike of loud crowds, and his big heart, all made him stand out. He was just as fast on a wet track as on a dry one. It's clear that the author did her homework, including visiting Pharoah at his current home, a stud farm in Kentucky, as well as interviewing many of the major players in Pharoah's success. This is a great book for those young horse lovers who prefer a true story to a made up one.
Further background is given on Pharoah's training as well as his trainer, Bob Baffert, and jockey, Victor Espinoza. But I think my favorite parts of the book were the parts about Pharoah himself. He seems to be a remarkably talented horse who also enjoyed being around people, and had a kind spirit. His love of baby carrots, dislike of loud crowds, and his big heart, all made him stand out. He was just as fast on a wet track as on a dry one. It's clear that the author did her homework, including visiting Pharoah at his current home, a stud farm in Kentucky, as well as interviewing many of the major players in Pharoah's success. This is a great book for those young horse lovers who prefer a true story to a made up one.
July 18, 2017
A non-fiction book review! Wow, that hasn’t happened in a while. Well, here it is.
I absolutely love horses. They are my all-time favorite animal. So, when I saw this book, I just knew that I had to read it. And I did.
This book is for young readers, which means it is very easy to read. However, since I am weird like that, I still read kids’ books for fun.
Okay, before you get to mixed up, I should tell you something. American Pharoah’s name is truly spelled wrong. It is not just a typo of mine. The reason as to why his name is spelled wrong is a mystery. No one knows for sure. But, you will just have to read the book to find out what some people think happened.
The cover is just amazing. A beautiful horse racing at top speed—I don’t think anything could get better than that! I am going to give it 5 stars!
I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to read a little bit about the 2015 Triple Crown winner. I am going to give the book 4 stars! This novel definitely made me want to read about the other Triple Crown champions—and more about American Pharoah!
So, what about you? What is your favorite animal?
Title: American Pharoah: Triple Crown Champion
Author: Shelley Fraser Mickle
This review is written in my own opinions and words.
I absolutely love horses. They are my all-time favorite animal. So, when I saw this book, I just knew that I had to read it. And I did.
This book is for young readers, which means it is very easy to read. However, since I am weird like that, I still read kids’ books for fun.
Okay, before you get to mixed up, I should tell you something. American Pharoah’s name is truly spelled wrong. It is not just a typo of mine. The reason as to why his name is spelled wrong is a mystery. No one knows for sure. But, you will just have to read the book to find out what some people think happened.
The cover is just amazing. A beautiful horse racing at top speed—I don’t think anything could get better than that! I am going to give it 5 stars!
I would recommend this story to anyone who wants to read a little bit about the 2015 Triple Crown winner. I am going to give the book 4 stars! This novel definitely made me want to read about the other Triple Crown champions—and more about American Pharoah!
So, what about you? What is your favorite animal?
Title: American Pharoah: Triple Crown Champion
Author: Shelley Fraser Mickle
This review is written in my own opinions and words.
June 3, 2019
This author’s writing had a Marguerite Henry feel to it. I loved some of her descriptions and how she got into the feelings and dreams of everyone (man and horse) involved in horse racing. Inspiring story of the great American Pharoah!
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May 1, 2020I am the author, and writing the "biography" of American Pharoah was one of the highlights of my long career of 50+ years. I rushed to the Breeders Cup Classic to meet him, for I gambled on the chance they would run him in Lexington even after his Triple Crown win. Bob Baffert and his wife Jill welcomed me warmly and took me to meet the extraordinary Pharoah. Although Simon and Schuster gave me the job to write the story for middle-grade children, I wanted everyone to know the magic of this once-in-a- lifetime horse that made history. Horse racing has taken a hard turn, losing fans and followers. Hopefully books such as this one will encourage the sport to put in regulations and oversight to protect the animal-athletes as they compete. Pharoah is injecting into the breed strength, hardiness, an extraordinary temperament as well as speed. Message me through facebook to let me know your thoughts on the sport and this champion. Happy reading!
August 19, 2018
This is a review of the Audible audiobook version. I didn't love the narrator here, but he wasn't terrible either, just a little bit monotonous here and there. I felt like some sections of the story called for more emotion than he had to offer.
The overall story about American Pharoah and his blood lines, his weanling and yearling years was well done and set the tone for his upcoming gallop into history. The in-depth background information on the owner and his financial shenanigans was just more than I wanted to know - I actually found all of those people distasteful and somehow not worthy of this amazing colt. The real deal horse people - the grooms, riders, jockeys, and trainers and how they thought, interacted with and believed in American Pharoah, that's where the real story was. I'm glad I listened to this book
The overall story about American Pharoah and his blood lines, his weanling and yearling years was well done and set the tone for his upcoming gallop into history. The in-depth background information on the owner and his financial shenanigans was just more than I wanted to know - I actually found all of those people distasteful and somehow not worthy of this amazing colt. The real deal horse people - the grooms, riders, jockeys, and trainers and how they thought, interacted with and believed in American Pharoah, that's where the real story was. I'm glad I listened to this book
May 28, 2018
A more simplistic story about American Pharoah than the other book I read, but the writing style is very lyrical and enjoyable so even the biographical aspect seems fresh. Loved the insight into Bob Baffert and Victor Espinoza's lives growing up which was glossed over in the other book. Also loved that Ahmed Zayat got so little coverage, because who cares about him. Didn't really learn anything new but still liked it. A younger reader or one with less horse and thoroughbred experience would probably like it even more.
May 29, 2017
I'm not really a reader of "horse books," but this book was given to me to read for an upcoming blog post on animals that I'm working on. I have to say, this is a GREAT story and Mickle hooked me in to this nonfiction account of American Pharaoh and the people who helped him achieve his amazing Triple Crown victory! Excellent backmatter as well.
June 6, 2017
Author did a good job of making this book accessible to general tweens and teens, not just horse crazy kids. Terminology specific to the sport is briefly explained and is not overwhelming in the amount.
April 15, 2019
Fascinating look at the world of horse racing. I loved watching the derby as a crazy horse kid but I had no idea about the millions of details it takes to make a champion. And AP is a champion!! Definitely the GOAT!
March 6, 2023
A fun and easy way to learn more about one of my favorite horses:) I enjoyed getting to learn some new stuff I did not know, but this book also did a great job and breaking things down for people who are not familiar with horses.
June 21, 2017
great insight into how a race is to a horse and jockey. loved the 'why they run' explanation. interesting background stories about all the main players in american pharoah's life.
January 5, 2018
This book was a very good read and its facts and story line was very good and made sence.
January 5, 2018
A solid biography that taught me a lot about horse racing and really brought home just how hard it is to win the Triple Crown. Many middle grade readers will adore this book!
July 13, 2018
I really enjoyed the overview of the horsing industry and the climb of AMerican Pharoah to champion. Maybe not the best written book but the idea and the story kept me going.
April 22, 2021
Pharoah is definately my favourite Triple Crowner!
July 27, 2025
This was a great book!!! I wish it would’ve gone into more detail! I think it was more geared towards kids. But it wasn’t still really good! 💕😊
April 30, 2017
I got this book on a whim from the library, thinking the kids would really enjoy it. I ended up not being able to put it down. It's an inspiring and well written story of American Pharoah, the horse with his name spelled wrong, from his birth to winning. Also included are the stories of his jockey, owner, trainer, and everyone involved in the life of this amazing horse. I highly recommend it for older kids and grown-ups - whether you have an interest in horses and racing or not, but for anyone who has dreams and goals.
August 14, 2017
Sending it immediately to my horse trainer friend, who will appreciate it even more then I do. I love the interwoven stories of jockey, owner, trainer, horse. Lots of great details. Not a fan of the chapter transitions but a minor flaw.
September 10, 2018
I got this book on a whim from the library, thinking the kids would really enjoy it. I ended up not being able to put it down. It's an inspiring and well written story of American Pharoah, the horse with his name spelled wrong, from his birth to winning. Also included are the stories of his jockey, owner, trainer, and everyone involved in the life of this amazing horse. I highly recommend it for older kids and grown-ups - whether you have an interest in horses and racing or not, but for anyone who has dreams and goals.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews