Good horse books for 5th grade girl who reads above grade level?

Question

I'm looking for a list of novels that feature horses as the main character (like Black Beauty) and/or about girls and their horses. My niece has recently gone horse-crazy and I am looking for some gift ideas for her birthday. She reads at a 6-7 grade level.

Answer 1

Look for books by the author Margarite Henry

Misty of Chincoteague
On an island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland lives a centuries-old band of wild ponies. Among them is the most mysterious of all, Phantom, a rarely seen mare that eludes all efforts to capture her--that is, until a young boy and girl lay eyes on her and determine that they can't live without her

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689714920/novelspot-20/002-7028859-5829626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2

King of the Wind
Newbery Medal-winning tale about a stallion, a stable boy, and their globe-spanning adventures.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689714866/novelspot-20/002-7028859-5829626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2

Album of Horses
by Marguerite Henry
How did the Morgan horse get its name?
What are the differences between a Belgian and a Clydesdale?
Why are the Byerly Turk, Darley Arabian, and Godolphin Arabian so important?
Find the answers to these and many other intriguing questions in Marguerite Henry's Album of Horses.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689717091/novelspot-20/002-7028859-5829626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2

Brighty of the Grand Canyon
by Marguerite Henry
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689714858/novelspot-20/002-7028859-5829626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2

Stormy
by Marguerite Henry
The story is... a true one, and Marguerite Henry fills it with human understanding.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689714874/novelspot-20/002-7028859-5829626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2

Justin Morgan Had a Horse
by Marguerite Henry
superb story of the first known Morgan horse
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/068971534X/novelspot-20/002-7028859-5829626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2

Sea Star
by Marguerite Henry
worthy sequel to Misty
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689715307/novelspot-20/002-7028859-5829626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2

Black Gold
by Marguerite Henry
Marguerite Henry has given boys and girls a superb story about a heroic horse.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689715625/novelspot-20/002-7028859-5829626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2

Born to Trot
by Marguerite Henry
packed with information as well as vivid accounts of exciting races.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689716923/novelspot-20/002-7028859-5829626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2

Five o'clock Charlie
by Marguerite Henry
Charlie's not old! So what if he's 28 and most people consider that a little old for a horse. When his rheumatism isn't acting up, he's as frisky as any young colt. And he's certainly not ready for retirement.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689718713/novelspot-20/002-7028859-5829626?%5Fencoding=UTF8&camp=1789&link%5Fcode=xm2

Answer 2

5th Grade Level Books

Answer 3

National Velvet is a classic. I haven't read it for a while, so I'm not sure of the age range. But, I'm sure you could ask for a rating at the book store. Also, there was a family movie out a few years back that involved a girl who dove her horse on the piers at the shore in the 30's when those things were still acceptable. I think it was based on a book, but I can't remember the title. Just looked it up... Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken. Not sure if its a book or not, but its a pretty good movie.

Answer 4

I went through the same phase when I was young and your niece sounds alot like me even down to the above grade level reading skills!

I also suggest books by Marguerite Henry, the person above has already listed them and I can tell you they are excellent books! Another author I would recommend is Walter Farley in particular the Black Stallion series is very good reading and they are still some of my favorite books... Go here for information about the stories and a list of books in the series.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Stallion

Answer 5

My first recommendation would be "King of the Wind, the Story of the Godolphin Arabian" by Marguerite Henry, the hardcover edition which is illustrated by Wesley Dennis. She will treasure that book for years to come, guaranteed! Also "Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry. Any of The Black Stallion or Island Stallion series by Walter Farley. I gobbled up all of them when I was her age. I had a book I loved called "A Treasury of Horse Stories" which had wonderful stories and poems. I don't remember the editor, but I think you can get that one on Amazon.com.

Answer 6

I loved the Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans. It's not a kid's book, but then I didn't read kids' books at that age and she might enjoy it. The story involves a girls and her horse who are both recovering from the trauma of being hit by a truck. While both were hurt severely physically, it's the emotional scars that require the most work to heal.

Answer 7

A great series is "The Saddle Club". Most of the books are paperback and quite inexpensive. They also have a few full-length movies on video and DVD, as well as a half-hour show on PBS Kids Discovery cable channel. The shows were filmed in Australia and are quite good.

Answer 8

I really liked _Neco the Unicorn_ when I was in the 5th grade. I don't know what my reading level was at that point.

Answer 9

She will want to read the Black Stallion series (and see the wonderful movie they made from it).
National Velvet
Saddle Club series

Answer 10

I think it depends