King Sam

by Vian Smith

Gail Fleming catches polio, and is left unable to walk.

Genres: Horses, Young Adult, Fiction, Animals, Childrens

143 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Vian Smith was an English author and horse trainer. Spanning fiction and nonfiction, his work focuses on the relationship between people and horses and prominently features the Devon moorland Dartmoor. Smith died at 49.

Reviews

[Lynee · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books when I was a child and crazy about horses. It was a pleasure to reread it!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites from my childhood. I read it many times.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A childhood favorite of mine, as I was horse crazy. Dated but still a really marvelous book about hope and overcoming obstacles. Gail Fleming contracts polio and after a long hospitalization, is left partially paralyzed on her left side. The story is about her recovery and learning to walk again, and simultaneously about the injured thoroughbred, King Sam (Samalaya) who inspires her to overcome her fear and pain and get her life back. Highly recommend.

[Kayleen Reusser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a young girl and never forgot it. The idea of a young girl with a disability finding solace with a horse was so appealing. And when the two help to solve a crime, that made it even better!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book 50 years ago and loved it. I was a horse loving girl! Rereading the book now and finding it has withstood the test of time. Beautifully written.

[Amy Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book from childhood that I don't like as much now.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this book as a child and loving it. So much so, that I wanted to read it again as an adult. Giving it 4 stars because that's what I would have given it when I first read it. :)

[Julie Havener · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story for any horse lover. Clean, well written and horsey.

[Sally N. Inglis]

After the Macy's Day Parade, I started reading this book.

[Laurie Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a million and one times before I lost it. Such a valient story of courage when a young girl in England is stricken with polio. A horse becomes her inspiration for healing...then together they face a different type of danger.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was 12, I loved this book. I remembered the story for years, though I had long since forgotten the title. Thankfully I was recently able to find it. Now, as an adult, I still find it an enjoyable read -- though I can see how perhaps the writing may not be the best. But it's memorable and fun to read, and the author has many books to his credit -- so who am I to argue with success? :)

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book when I was a child. We had several horses when I was young, including a big grey thoroughbred ex race horse.
But I didn't have any unusual adventures on him.....
Rereading the book, it still holds up from my childhood.
Highly recommended!

[CLM · Rating 3 out of 5]

A girl stricken by polio has lost interest in everything until her parents buy an old racehorse to coax her into making an effort to regain use of her leg.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

good, young horse story--neat dealing with polio

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

It definitely holds up. I wonder why I remember it taking place in New England?

[Cindy Hathcock]

Best book I read as a child!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother gave this book to me when I was about 12 and I read it when I have bad days. It's such a good book and it gets better every time I read it.

[Tisha Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story of father and daughter through the ravages of polio. Well worth the read. I enjoyed the British writing style and the straightforward plot that held a bit of mystery along the way.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. It kept me captivated. I didn't want to put it down which made it a fast and enjoyable read. It would make a good hallmark movie.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story about a girl recovering from polio and her dream horse.