The Black Stallion

By Walter Farley
Animal: Horse
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Noelle

The book that spawned a series of books, a couple of major motion pictures, and a television series! Alec Ramsey is on his way back from a summer vacation with his uncle in India aboard the ship the Drake. One night in a terrible storm, the ship sinks. Before Alec goes overboard, he sets free the wild black stallion that was taken aboard a few ports earlier. Once in the ocean, he ties his life jacket to the rope on the stallion's halter, and is pulled safely to a small uninhabited island. Shipwrecked on the island with little food, Alec manages to slowly tame the The Black, as he calls him, and the two come to love and trust each other. Then, when all hope has failed, they get rescued. Alec stables his horse in the barn down the street from his house, which happens to be owned by an ex-racehorse trainer, Henry Dailey. Henry sees the amazing speed in the wild stallion and inspires Alec with the idea of racing him, but without papers for the horse, they are stuck. Or are they? With a lot of secrecy and the help of a daring sports reporter, they organize the match race of the century! This exciting tale will inspire horse lovers and adventure fans alike. The centerpiece is really the relationship between Alec, the Black and Henry, and it is a team that will make you want to read the next book, The Black Stallion Returns, as well as many many more!