Librarianjk recommends Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World's Smartest Horse

Wonder Horse: The True Story of the World's Smartest Horse

by Emily Arnold McCully

Summary: A fictionalized account of Bill "Doc" Key, a former slave who became a veterinarian, trained his horse, Jim Key, to recognize letters and numbers and to perform in skits around the country, and moved the nation toward a belief in treating animals humanely. Includes an author's note.

This is a fantastic book for discussing racism, prejudice, animal cruelty, and intelligence of other animals. I was amazed at the horse’s abilities and the challenges Bill Key overcame. I recommend this book especially to horse lovers and animal lovers.

Interest Level: grades k-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 4