1. Title: King of the Wind
2. Author: Marguerite Henry, Illustrator: Wesley Dennis
3. Genre: Realistic Fiction
4. Awards/Honors: John Newberry Medal
5. Publisher: Macmillan Publishing Company
6. Copyright: 1948
7. Grade/Age Level: 5th and up
8. Basic Overview: King of the Wind changes settings quite frequently. It begins in Ontario, Canada before moving into the actual story which begins in Morocco. The story then progresses to France where you find the characters spread among high-class and low-class settings. The main characters are a boy, Agba, and his horse, Sham. We get to be a part of their adventures as the narrator, presumably the trainer of Man o’ War, tells about Sham who was the beginning of a long generation of horses called Godolphin Arabians. The story begins in Morocco with the birth of the colt, Sham, and the boy’s complete devotion to the horse. We also learn that Agba is mute. To rise up the climax, we have Sham and Agba go through many adventures, starting with the journey to France. Then all the adventures in France, which are both good and bad, lead us to the climax, where Sham’s own sons are to partake in a few races where the stake is losing a home. Of course, they win and we resolve to the happy ending of the continuing line of Godolphin Arabians, especially Sham, and see how well respected they were even through death. The most prevalent theme is, “Keep on working hard and always do your best, and you will be rewarded in the end.”
9. What makes it quality literature?: This book is considered quality literature because it broadens children’s understanding of the world, it is enjoyable to read without over-moralizing, and it represents truths in the characters and plot. As well, it is a convincing story of the truth, is a story that makes a whole, and shows some originality in its creative writing.
10. Is it ESOL student oriented?: This book has many different social classes within it. So, this book is an excellent way of enhancing student’s social awareness. As Sham and Agba go from SES to SES throughout the story, we see extreme differences that would be good for comparison. Plus, this book covers emotional needs by having the students really connect with the hard-working Agba or beaten-down Sham. The students rejoice at the good parts and grumble at the bad parts.
2. Author: Marguerite Henry, Illustrator: Wesley Dennis
3. Genre: Realistic Fiction
4. Awards/Honors: John Newberry Medal
5. Publisher: Macmillan Publishing Company
6. Copyright: 1948
7. Grade/Age Level: 5th and up
8. Basic Overview: King of the Wind changes settings quite frequently. It begins in Ontario, Canada before moving into the actual story which begins in Morocco. The story then progresses to France where you find the characters spread among high-class and low-class settings. The main characters are a boy, Agba, and his horse, Sham. We get to be a part of their adventures as the narrator, presumably the trainer of Man o’ War, tells about Sham who was the beginning of a long generation of horses called Godolphin Arabians. The story begins in Morocco with the birth of the colt, Sham, and the boy’s complete devotion to the horse. We also learn that Agba is mute. To rise up the climax, we have Sham and Agba go through many adventures, starting with the journey to France. Then all the adventures in France, which are both good and bad, lead us to the climax, where Sham’s own sons are to partake in a few races where the stake is losing a home. Of course, they win and we resolve to the happy ending of the continuing line of Godolphin Arabians, especially Sham, and see how well respected they were even through death. The most prevalent theme is, “Keep on working hard and always do your best, and you will be rewarded in the end.”
9. What makes it quality literature?: This book is considered quality literature because it broadens children’s understanding of the world, it is enjoyable to read without over-moralizing, and it represents truths in the characters and plot. As well, it is a convincing story of the truth, is a story that makes a whole, and shows some originality in its creative writing.
10. Is it ESOL student oriented?: This book has many different social classes within it. So, this book is an excellent way of enhancing student’s social awareness. As Sham and Agba go from SES to SES throughout the story, we see extreme differences that would be good for comparison. Plus, this book covers emotional needs by having the students really connect with the hard-working Agba or beaten-down Sham. The students rejoice at the good parts and grumble at the bad parts.
11. How can teachers use it?: Read-Aloud Passage – Pages 165-167 – Begins, “The cheering has scarcely died away…” and ends, “…cheered in wild notes of triumph.” This passage is the high point of the story where the oldest son of Sham, races and wins. This means, Agba, Sham, and all Sham’s family have a home at Gog Magog. Use this passage to work in this theme “keep on working hard and always do your best, and you will be rewarded in the end.”
12. How can parents use it?: Many students love to read about animals, so I suggest it would be great for parents to really get involved in their kid’s life by telling them about the pets they had growing up. Discuss how Agba is so devoted to Sham which means he needs to take care of him. This could be a good lesson into pet-care for kids.
Also, this would be good story for parents to open up and tell their kids about the trials they went through during life and tell their children about the trials they will be going through. This book is a prime example for parents to use as a stepping stone to help their children be patient, polite hard-workers and not greedy.
12. Accessibility: Easy access. Book can be found in local and school libraries, as well as on line. Get it today at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/King-Wind-marguerite-henry/dp/B000OO5MM8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1237226996&sr=1-2 .
Kiddie L. Critic
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