Module 2 - Justin Morgan Had a Horse

Summary:

Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguarite Henry is the story of Lil' Bub the beginning of the Morgan Horse.  This chapter book is set back in early America and is a solid read of early American life.  The theme of the story is of a small horse who is considered to be a runt and turns into a breed of horse that is wanted for the power in his strength. 

Bibliography:

Henry, Marguarite, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, 1945), 176 pages

My Impressions:

I enjoyed this book for the language used was more proper and gentler.  The story was interesting and had historical value as far as how people traveled and lived.  Good for children 9 and up.

 Review:

April Brown WritesJourney Through the Writing Process (http://aprilbrownwrite.wordpress.com/2010/04/09/book-review-justin-morgan-had-a-horse/)

Book Review – “Justin Morgan Had A Horse” – by Marguerite Henry

A childhood favorite re-visited.
Is the story as good as I remember? – Yes
What ages would I recommend it too? – All ages. Children will enjoy the single storyline; while adults enjoy an easy afternoon read (especially while waiting on a bus, show, doctor, or other appointments).
Length? – Reasonable for an afternoon.
Characters? – Memorable, and few enough that you won’t forget who is who.
Setting? – Real world, even includes President James Monroe.
Written approximately? – 1954.
Does the story leave questions in the readers mind? – Yes! By the end Joel is an adult, yet he still seems to be written about as a kid with no family relationships. Did he marry? Did he speak to either of his parents again? Is this to keep characters down? What really happened to this very real character? What happens to the horse after his return. How long did the horse live?
Any issues the author (or more recent publisher) should cover? – Yes. At one point Joel attempts to buy his horse back with $5.00. How much would that $5.00 be today? What about the $25.00 he does eventually buy the horse back for, how much is that worth today? (I can just imagine a kid reading this and asking their parent to go buy them a horse for $5.00.)Suggested Use:


Suggested Use:
I would use this book in a social studies area on the history of America. The use of language, living styles, and general cultural differences from today's world is a good concept to outline the evolution of American life.

Book Cover: