Seabiscuit , An American Legend

By Laura Hillenbrand




 In the year 1938 the biggest star, comparable to modern day Justin Bieber, was not even a person! He was a race horse named Seabiscuit. At the peak of his career he had more newspaper articles written about him then did world leaders of the time. Theodore Roosevelt ranked second, Hitler ranked third, and Mousilini fourth.
 Seabiscuit was born a 'homely' little horse. His trainer never thought that this lazy bones would ever amount to much, but a man named Smith who worked for a millionaire[named Howard] thought other wise. He saw what no other man had noticed, a glimmer of intelligence and knowledge in Seabiscuit's eyes, and a dormant desire to run.
 Seabiscuit had been over-worked as a young horse, racing in about forty races, more then most horses race in their lives! Howard and Smith bought Seabiscuit at a low price. Being over-worked had done nothing for Seabiscuit's temper. he was known to attack stable-hands!  After three months of training Seabiscuit was a completely different horse.
 Struggling through injuries that promised to be fatal, Seabiscuit fought his way to the top to become America's most legendary icon.

This book is an inspiring work that shows you: It doesn't matter who you are or what you look like. If you have a passion for what you do and believe in yourself anything can happen.

This book is recomended for 10th grade and up.

Daughter of the Mountains

By Louise Rankin

A Newbery honor book published in 1948.


 Momo, a girl who lives in Tibet near the top of Jelep La Pass has always wanted a dog, and not just any dog, a Lhasa Terrier a prince among dogs. After many years of patient diligent praying Momo finally receives a little tiny Lhasa Terrier pup from a kind trader.
 The town astrologer who comes once a baby is born, graphs their future in the stars and advises parents on suitable names, is summoned for Momo's dog! After careful consideration he names the dog Pempa after Momo herself.
 Three years after she got Pempa some traders come into her mothers tea shop, and while Momo and her mother are not looking the traders steal Pempa and continue quickly on their journey to Calcutta, India to sell Momo's dog. She is determined to get her dog back so she travels to Calcutta alone on the great trade route. Even with her determination Calcutta is a large city full of people who do not speak the Tibetan language.
 Will momo be able to get her dog back or will she have to go all the way home empty handed?

 This is an adventerous book about friendship, loyalty, and determination.

This book is suitable for 5th grade and up.