Gabriel’s Horses
Gabriel’s Horses by Alison Hart, published by Peachtree in 2007, is an illustrated work of juvenile fiction that immerses readers in the tumultuous year of 1864. The story follows twelve-year-old Gabriel, a young Kentucky slave who aspires to become a jockey while helping his father care for thoroughbred racehorses on Master Giles’s farm. As the Civil War disrupts their lives, Gabriel faces new challenges, including the arrival of a harsh horse trainer and the threat of Confederate raiders.
In this historical narrative, readers will find a portrayal of the complex relationships during the Civil War, highlighting themes of bravery, loyalty, and the struggle for freedom. Gabriel’s journey is marked by his determination to protect the horses he loves, even as he navigates the dangers of a divided nation. The edition includes background historical material and photos, enriching the context of the story and providing insight into the era’s societal issues. With 161 pages, this book offers a vivid exploration of the intersection of sports, animals, and the historical realities of the time.
Official synopsis Publisher
The year is 1864, and a young Kentucky slave dares to pursue his dream of becoming a jockey.
Twelve-year-old Gabriel loves to help his father–one of the best horse trainers in Kentucky–care for the thoroughbred racehorses on Master Giles’s farm. But the violence of war disrupts the familiar routine of daily life on the farm. When Gabriel’s father enlists in a Colored Battalion, Gabriel is both proud and worried. But the absence of his father brings the arrival of Mr. Newcastle, a white horse trainer with harsh, cruel methods for handling horses and people.
Now it is up to Gabriel to protect the horses he loves from Mr. Newcastle and keep them safely out of the clutches of Confederate raiders.
Alison Hart mines the complex relationships of the Civil War in this gripping work of historical fiction. Young readers will experience the danger and drama of a time when war split the country and human beings were segregated into owner and owned based on the color of their skin. Background historical material and photos are included.
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