• Grade: 4

Lawrence Scanlan, award-winning and bestselling author of books for adults and children, knows a good story when he sees one. He also knows how much children love horses, how curious kids are about a horse’s strength and speed and beauty, and how drawn they are to special relationships between horses and humans. That's why The Big Red Horse—a moving story of the friendship between an extraordinary animal and the humble groom who cared for him—promises to be another hit.

The Big Red Horse introduces young readers to the legendary Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown winner. His world-record times in all three races remain unbroken to this day, and he is the only horse ever listed on ESPN’s list of the top 50 athletes of the 20th century. We also meet Eddie Sweat, Secretariat’s devoted and gifted groom. “My baby” is what Eddie used to call Secretariat. He adored that horse, and that horse adored him.

Throughout the book, Scanlan effortlessly blends in details about Thoroughbred horses and the world of racing, and he includes a fun section of Secretariat trivia at the end of the book. A touching story, fast-paced and informative, The Big Red Horse is sure to win young hearts.

Lawrence Scanlan has won three National Magazine Awards and is the author or co-author of thirteen books, on subjects ranging from horses to hockey to country life. A book he co-authored with Monty Roberts -- The Man Who Listens to Horses -- has sold more than a million copies in North America. Involved in community service for some three decades, Scanlan lives in Kingston, ON.

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The Big Red Horse: The Story of Secretariat and the Loyal Groom Who Loved Him