Monday, October 8, 2012

Tennessee Rose by Jane Kendall

Here is another in the Horse Diaries series.  This story is set in Civil War days and gives you a glimpse of the war and slavery both.

Random House Kids sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published, so check with your local bookstore for this book and others in the series.  They all feature horse breed information and some historical references to the time period.

Rosie is a Tennessee Walker Horse with a rose shape on her head.  I wasn't aware there was such a breed of horse.  I once owned a Tennessee Walker Coon Hound and he sure could cover the territory without making it look like work.  I'm sure this horse breed does the same with its special gait.

Rosie is growing up on a farm, being cared for by a black stable boy.  She loves her boy and he loves her.  They have both had their mothers sold to another farmer, so they develop a solid relationship between the two orphans.

The master likes her height and style and chooses her for his personal rider.  When the Civil War gets close to them, he takes her into war along with Levi, the slave boy.

This is an authentic look at this particular time in history and could easily lead into more reading on the subject matter.  I enjoyed reading the story from the horse's perspective.  Animals know more than we think.  

Here is a piece of history with interesting horse facts and the story of love between a boy and his horse.  Why not share this with your young reader and suggest reading more about horses, slavery, or the civil war?  Make it a learning experience and show them how books can open the door to knowledge.

Happy reading.

1 comment:

Shan said...

I read your review and immediately thot of my sis Pat whom has been a horse lover since very young. In fact, when dad built our first house in 56-57, there was so much land around dad said would day she could get a horse! This book sounds like it would be perfect for someone like her! Thanks.

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