King of the Wind

This is the classic story of Sham and his friend, the stable boy Agba. Their adventures take them from the sands of the Sahara, to the royal courts of France, and finally to the green pastures and stately homes of England. For Sham was the renowned Godolphin Arabian, whose blood flows through the veins of almost very superior thoroughbred. Sham's speed -- like his story -- has become legendary.

For young readers who love horses, King of the Wind has long been a classic alongside Marguerite Henry's many other beloved horse stories such as Misty of Chincoteague. This one is the tale based on fact, of a swift and spirited Arabian horse sent by the Sultan of Morocco as a gift to Louis XV of France. Unfortunately, Sham (named for the sun), and his young groom Agba are undervalued by the French and end up in England, where they endure some grueling adventures before the Arabian's true value is understood. Readers will find it fascinating that this horse was an ancestor of many famous thoroughbreds, including Man o'War. Children today may find the style a bit ornate and the story rather too heart-rending, but it's still an absorbing tale with a triumphant finish. First published in 1948 and winner of the 1949 Newbery Medal.