Module 3: Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, and Pura Belpre Winners

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble

Goble, P. (1978). The girl who loved wild horses. New York: Simon and Schuster.

Summary

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses is about a young Native American girl who chooses to live with a herd of wild horses after she is separated from her tribe during a storm. Her love of animals and her ability to understand the horses make her life with them very happy. Her family eventually brings her back to live with her people, but she is very unhappy and returns to the wild horses. From then on she lives in harmony with the horses and is believed to have turned into a wild horse herself.

My Thoughts

This book has beautiful illustrations that capture the beauty of the wild horses and the landscape. The bright colors and strong contrast are striking. I especially enjoy the illustrations of the storm with the rolling black clouds and the horses running to escape them. Goble is an excellent storyteller and uses imagery and descriptive writing to help the reader envision life in the desert with this Native American tribe. I love the voice of this book because I think while it celebrates the girl's relationship with the horses and our connection with nature in general, I find that it is somewhat sad. When the girl stops visiting her family and they believe she turned into a horse, you know that while they are happy for her it is still a farewell. Other than the incredible illustrations and wonderful voice, I think I also enjoy this book so much because I love her connection with the horses. I like the emphasis on the close relationship with animals and nature; something that I think is somewhat lost in many people today. Although it doesn't discuss a particular Native American tribe, this book would be a good read when teaching elementary students about the different Native American groups and discussing some of the important characteristics of some of their cultures.

Review

PreSchool-Grade 2-Paul Goble's beautifully-told, Caldecott Award-winning book (S&S, 1978) receives a fine treatment in this book and tape set. It is the tale of a Native American girl whose tribe follows the buffalo. She tends the horses, and grows to love them so much that eventually she joins them. Accompanied by Native American music, the story is clearly and lovingly read by Lance White Magpie, and sound effects help bring it to life. One side of the tape includes page-turn signals, while the other does not. Audio quality is excellent. This would make a good listening center for units on Native Americans, art, or horses. Mandell, P.L. School Library Journal, 2002.