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Sep 7, 2012 
Now that school’s back in, your horsie child will definitely need some daydreaming material for after school (and perhaps in it, but you didn’t hear that from me!) Doesn’t everyone read horse books instead of doing homework?
No? Well, that was maybe just me.
Anyway, I’m posting (in my opinion) the top horse books out there for younger readers. A caveat: I have read and enjoyed these horse books personally and *I* turned out okay, so don’t worry mom, give that book to your horsie kid and let them have at it! These books are clean with easy print and (for some) great discussion points that can be discussed. (see underneath the list for how you can add your favourites!)
I will not tell you to buy from a particular bookseller. Amazon, B&N, Indie, the choice is yours. This is why I won’t provide links in this article, but don’t worry, you can find them easily.
And now, in no particular order, the list!
War horse
- For older children, (12-ish?) but certainly an excellent book for horse fans. Handles the gritty subject of war and the unique aspect of a horse sent away to be in it.
The Black Stallion series
- This is a nice long series. Some get into the odd region (Flame and the UFO, for one), but the biggest highlight is Alec’s bond with The Black, and the adventures they have. Easy to read and a good length for young readers.
Wild Girl
- Just read this a while ago. Recommended for cultural aspects as well as the horse connection.
Misty of Chincoteague series
- Misty is cannon in horse literature. These are clean books, easy to read with excellent illustrations. You simply cannot go wrong with Marguerite Henry!
King of the Wind
- This is a great retelling of how Sham became the Godolphin Arabian. Wonderful cultural eye-opener, as well. Great talking book!
Gunner: Hurricane Horse
- A great true story, and close to home! Recommended!
My Flicka Flicka (series)
- Another cannon in horse books. These three showcase the wild brilliant difficult western life as it was, with characters you really enjoy and get behind.
Terri Farleys Phantom Stallion Series
- I’ve talked with this author and her Phantom series is great. She puts her money where her mouth is, too – she works with mustang rescues in her home state, and gives back thru SCBWI too!
Black beauty
- EXCELLENT book. Told from “the horse’s mouth”, so to say. Can’t beat it, and the cultural aspects are great as well.
Beauty by Bill Wallace
- A top author, a great person. He understood the horse and dog psyche – and a boy’s – in a unique way. He will be missed!
National Velvet
- Who wouldn’t want The Pie? A great clean book full of action!
A Horse Called Dragon
- A wonderful book that integrates the story of one wild stallion with the breed he helped to create, the Pony of the Americas. A great series!
Summer Pony
- Ah, Ginny and her rent-a-horse. This is a great book!
Justin Morgan had a Horse
- Interesting aspects of breed beginnings from Justin and his morgan horse. Should definitely read!
The Red Pony
- This one is for older children only. Expect to have some talks, as it deals with difficult subjects.
PLEASE NOTE: As I read thru older books (and newer!) that are recommended, I’ll add to this list! So if you have a horse book you’d love to have added, please put it in the comments here and I’ll check it out!
Thank you, and have a great horsie weekend!
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Jen K Blom is an author living in Berlin, Germany, where she writes children’s books about all sorts of kids and all sorts of animals. Her award-winning middle grade book POSSUM SUMMER was published in 2010, and her upcoming horse book BLUE APPALOOSA comes in 2013, with others to follow! You can follow her on Twitter, check out her Facebook and visit her blog.
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