Willow King

Willow King #1

by Chris Platt

This inspiring debut novel by a female former professional jockey and horse trainer tells the moving tale of Willow King, a colt born with crooked legs, who is saved from destruction by 13-year-old Katie Durham. Because one of Katie's own legs is shorter than the other, she feels an immediate kinship with the imperfect little colt. With painstaking care, she pulls King through arduous training until he becomes a champion.

Genres: Horses, Middle Grade, Animals, Childrens

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 1998

About the author

Chris Platt is an award-winning author of more than a dozen books for young readers, including the popular horse novels Moon Shadow; Willow King and its sequel, Race the Wind; and many titles in the Thoroughbred juvenile fiction series.

She has a degree in journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno, and specializes in writing about horses. During her youth she worked as a jockey in Oregon (she was one of the first female jockeys in the state), and has been a life-long horse owner. Platt lives in Washoe Valley, Nevada.

Reviews

[Karen GoatKeeper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chris Platt was a professional rider and it shows in this book. When Willow King grabs the bit running flat out with Katie, you are on the horse with the wind whipping through your hair hanging on and trying to stop this powerhouse surging beneath you. The horse parts of this book are spectacular.
The character conflicts are rather predictable. Cindy is a spoiled rich girl with a mean streak. Jason is the most desirable boy around and of course likes Katie from the start.
Katie is different. She has a slight handicap with the lack of confidence that goes with being the butt of her school class. She is 13 with the insecurities of that age.
Willow King is the colt born with a handicap. Only Katie sees his potential and is willing to risk a great deal to help him reach it. King's perseverance helps Katie to face her own fears.
In spite of the usual bad characters at the race track and the predictable plot line this story shines based on its horses and interactions with them. It is a fast, enjoyable read.

[M.E. Hembroff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will be enjoyed by all horse lovers. The writer portrays the love between a handicapped teen girl and a colt that was born with crocked legs. She insisted the colt be saved and bravely stuck to her opinion. The owner of the colt is determined to have him put down. She talks him into letting her keep and look after him even though she has to give up her beloved guilding to the owners spoiled daughter for awhile. In the end she beats the odds. The colt thrives under her constant care. His legs straighten and goes on to race and win.

[♪ Kim N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have liked this book a lot when I was a child. It reminds me a bit of Born to Race, which was another girl+race horse story that was offered by Scholastic Books. (I loved ordering from them when I was in grade school!) This book contains some interesting technical details about the mechanics of training horses and learning to ride. Very sweet, happy ending.

[Twyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite part was when King managed to win both races that he was in. I was also glad that King's legs straightened out and Katie didn't waste her time trying t help king become a good racehorse. My least favorite part was either when Cindy caused King to get injured and unable to compete in one of the races he was supposed to have, or when someone was trying to make sure that King could not race and could not win if he did race.

[Laurie Banas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice easy read....for true horselovers and young girls who love horses....

[Shelagh Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet young adults book that takes me back to my youth when all I could read was horse books.

[Christopher Hachet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and wish I could give it a 5. Willow king being entered in the Kentucky Derby was a stretch too far for an ending. Also...would have loved to see the romance elements of the book better developed.

On the other hand...its not many 25 year old books written for young girls that can make a 57 year old dude like me tear up. Not sure why I feel the sudden urge to read girl with horse books. But this was perfect for today. Home on the sofa with pnumonia and wanted something cathartic to read.

This book was awesome.

[Beth Dorsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable book. It was my favorite as a kid and allowed me to vicariously live my horse girl dreams. Reread it as an adult and it's still such a cute heartwarming story.

[Lara Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite childhood book<3

[Katya M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willow King is a heart warming story about a girl called Katie. Katie was born with a handicap where one of her legs are an inch shorter with the other. When she meets a bay foal born with twisted legs, she knows she has to save him from being killed. Against everyone's doubts, Katie has faith that this foal, Willow King, will win the Futurity Race of Oregon, and save her family's farm.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is the best book ever, about a three legged horse overcoming unthinkable obstacles.

[Monty · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books as a kid!

[Hayley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read for those who love horses. Lots of interesting details about the training of a Thoroughbred racehorse.

[Mahlia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of love with a great lesson to never ever give up hope.

[V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touhle knížkou mě kdysi kamarádka zachránila na táboře, když jsem neměla co číst. Koně mě nikdy moc nebrali, ale tohle bylo hezké čtení. Takové srdečné.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️