Barbaro: America's Horse

He was bred to be a champion. He was born to run. Everyone said he would be one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Everyone said he would take a place in history next to Triple Crown winners like the fabled Secretariat.

Then, in one sickening, heart-stopping moment, everything changed. Suddenly he was no longer racing for glory; he was fighting for his life. And the horse bred to be a champion became much more.

He became a symbol of hope and courage for an entire nation.

He was bred to be a champion. He was born to run. Everyone said he would be one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Everyone said he would take a place in history next to Triple Crown winners like the fabled Secretariat.

Then, in one sickening, heart-stopping moment, everything changed. Suddenly he was no longer racing for glory; he was fighting for his life. And the horse bred to be a champion became much more.

He became a symbol of hope and courage for an entire nation.

Ann RobinsonCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information. - School Library Journal

Gr 4-8
Authorized and introduced by Barbaro's owners, Gretchen and Roy Jackson, this account starts with the infamous accident in the first few seconds of the Preakness in 2006. Then the story flashes back to the horse's birth, bloodlines, training, and phenomenal success on the track. The description of his winning Kentucky Derby performance is like an equine play-by-play of a superior athlete. His breakdown and the therapies that ensued trying to save his life are detailed, as is the painful decision to eventually euthanize him. The author writes in short, simple sentences that nonetheless have great force and style, and includes the points of view of his trainers and attendants. Equine and racing vocabulary are defined, and there is an explanation of how Barbaro's genes and DNA predisposed him to be strong and fast and background information on Churchill Downs. Eight pages of color photos and sample support letters from children all add to this inspiring story of facing uncertainty with grace and courage.

Shelley Fraser Mickle lives on a farm in Alachua County, Florida, with her two horses, Precious and Mullet. She is the author of several novels, including The Queen of October, a 1989 New York Times Notable Book; Replacing Dad, which became a CBS movie in l999; and The Turning Hour, which is taught in many high schools as part of the suicide prevention program the Turning Hour Project. She has been a commentator on National Public Radio for ten years, and many of her essays have been heard on Morning Edition. Some of these are collected under the title The Kids Are Gone; the Dog Is Depressed & Mom's on the Loose. Her latest novel, The Assigned Visit, was published on Valentine's Day 2007. This is her first nonfiction book and her first book for children.