The Black Stallion's Steeplechaser


Book Description

Sired by the champion Black Stallion, Black Storm is everything a race horse should be--strong and fast, brave and proud. But he is also very hard to handle, and his unruly nature makes him a misfit at Hopeful Farm. Young jockey Alec Ramsay continues to believe in the unpredictable colt, confident that Storm has it in his blood to become a champion steeplechaser. Unfortunately, Storm's trainer, Henry, has lost patience with the colt's violent mood swings and is threatening to sell the magnificent animal--at any price. Now Alec must convince Henry to allow him and Storm to enter one more race together. One more chance for the Black Stallion's Steeplechaser to prove himself a winner. And one last chance to save Hopeful Farm...Praise for Steven Farley's "The Black Stallion's Shadow (spring 1996): "In the Farley tradition, the plot gallops off to a dramatic start...his simple writing style and fast-moving plot will satisfy those who've devoured previous adventures of the Black and his clan."--"School Library Journal




National Velvet


Book Description

"The book is one that horse lovers of every age cannot fail to enjoy." — The New York Times "Humorous, charming, National Velvet is a little masterpiece." — Time "Put on your not-to-be-missed list." — The New Yorker A butcher's daughter in a small Sussex town ends her nightly prayers with "Oh, God, give me horses, give me horses! Let me be the best rider in England!" The answer to fourteen-year-old Velvet Brown's plea materializes in the form of an unwanted piebald, raffled off in a village lottery, who turns out to be adept at jumping fences—exactly the sort of horse that could win the world's most famous steeplechase, the Grand National. Richly atmospheric of rural English life between the World Wars, National Velvet has enchanted generations of readers since its 1935 debut. The heroine's grit and determination, backed by the support of her eccentric and loving family, offer an inspiring example of the struggles and rewards of following a dream.




Son of the Black Stallion


Book Description

When Alec receives the Black Stallion’s first son as a gift, he believes his dreams have come true, but Satan’s savage arrogance makes him dangerous and unpredictable. Still, Alec is resolved to gain the fiery colt’s trust, even if he must risk his life to do it.




The Black Stallion


Book Description

First published in 1941, Walter Farley's best-selling novel for young readers is the triumphant tale of a boy and a wild horse. From Alec Ramsay and the Black's first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this beloved story will hold the rapt attention of readers new and old. This book has been selected as a Common Core State Standards Text Exemplar (Grades 4-5, Stories) in Appendix B.




The Steeplechase Secret (Free Rein #1)


Book Description

In this original novel based on the hit Netflix TV show, Zoe, Jade, and Becky investigate some strange happenings at the island's new steeplechase race track. Includes eight pages of photos!




Taylor Five


Book Description

A gripping, deeply moving adventure raises startling questions about what it means to be human. Taylor Walker seems like any ordinary 14-year-old. Ordinary—if you overlook the fact that she lives on the island of Borneo, on a primate reserve run by her parents, and knows how to survive in the jungle. Obviously, Tay isn’t just like everyone else. But she is like one other person. She’s exactly like one other person. Tay is a clone, one of only five in the world, and her clone mother is Pam Taylor, a brilliant scientist. When rebels attack the reserve, Tay escapes with her younger brother and Uncle, an exceptionally intelligent orangutan. As they flee through the jungle, Tay must look within to find her strength: Pam’s DNA, tempered by Taylor’s extraordinary life. And she looks to Uncle for guidance—for Tay knows that the uncanny bond between Uncle and herself is the key to their survival.




Racing My Father


Book Description

Becoming a steeplechase jockey takes great courage, especially when following in the footsteps of a legendary father. Growing up, Patrick Smithwick idolized his father, A.P. Smithwick, considered the greatest steeplechase jockey in America at the time. In this compelling memoir, Patrick Smithwick recalls how his father's success shaped his own ambitions and dreams. Despite witnessing the pinnacle of the sport, the younger Smithwick started his own journey without a leg up. He mucked stalls and lived in tack rooms, learning the sport from the bottom up. After his father was severely injured in a racing accident, young Patrick did not sway from pursuing his dream. Though he may not have reached the career heights of his father, Patrick Smithwick succeeded in carving his own niche as a top steeplechase rider.




The Rocking-Horse Winner


Book Description

Hester appears to have it all - marriage, a nice home, three children and a stimulating job. But it is not enough. For no matter how much she and her husband earn, she spends more. Driven by a desire to be loved by his mother, young Paul starts betting on the horses with the family's gardener. He wins, wins and just keeps winning. But, as quickly as he hands her the money, Hester has splurged it away. Then, as Derby day approaches, the spooky secret of Paul's endless run of luck is revealed. As tragedy beckons, will Paul win his mother's love? This book is perfect for fans of Edgar Allan Poe and Ernest Hemingway. It was made into the 1949 fantasy film 'The Rocking Horse Winner', starring John Howard Davies, Valerie Hobson and John Mills. DH Lawrence (1885-1930) was an English writer and poet. He was at the centre of a great deal of controversy during and after his life, with the explicit nature of some of his novels leading to censorship and protests. Many critics admired his imaginative and deeply descriptive style, though. Among his best-known novels are 'Sons and Lovers', 'Lady Chatterley's Lover', 'The Rainbow' and 'Women in Love'.




The Young Black Stallion


Book Description

In this prequel to The Black Stallion, we learn the story of the Black before he was shipwrecked with Alec Ramsay. Born in the mountain stronghold of Sheikh Abu Ishak, the colt shows great promise. During a band of robbers’ attempt to steal him, the colt escapes and learns to survive on his own in the high mountains. Will he ever find his way home?




Nerve


Book Description

Discover the classic mystery from Dick Francis, one of the greatest thriller writers of all time 'You will be hard pushed to find a better storyteller. A brilliant read' 5***** Reader Review 'Fast and furious . . . Thrills and spills from start to finish' 5***** Reader Review ______ Rob Finn's winning streak made him one of the most sought-after steeplechase jockeys. So his subsequent collapse in form surprised no one more than himself. As word spreads that Finn has lost his nerve, he discovers a well-managed campaign to discredit certain jockeys; in his own case, a plan assisted by horse doping. To find the culprits behind it, Finn will have to put everything on the line . . . Packed with intrigue and hair-raising suspense, Nerve is just one of the many blockbuster thrillers from legendary crime writer Dick Francis. Praise for Dick Francis: 'As a jockey, Dick Francis was unbeatable when he got into his stride. The same is true of his crime writing' Daily Mirror 'The narrative is brisk and gripping and the background researched with care . . . the entire story is a pleasure to relish' Scotsman 'Dick Francis's fiction has a secret ingredient - his inimitable knack of grabbing the reader's attention on page one and holding it tight until the very end' Sunday Telegraph 'A regular winner . . . as smooth, swift and lean as ever' Sunday Express 'The master of suspense and intrigue' Country Life 'Francis writing at his best' Evening Standard 'Still the master' Racing Post