Blackjack: Dreaming of a Morgan Horse

Morgan Horse Series #1

by Ellen F. Feld, Jeanne Mellin (Illustrator)

A Children's Choices Selection! Blackjack, the first in the Morgan Horse series, introduces the character of Heather Richardson. A young horse-lover, Heather has been haunted by dreams of a very special Morgan Horse. She soon learns that the horse really exists and is thrilled when she is asked to care for him. With the help of Blackjack's owner, Heather learns to ride and show the horse and the two quickly form a very special bond. When tragedy strikes and Blackjack falls into the hands of an abusive trainer, Heather must find a way to rescue her horse before it is too late...

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Horses

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2004

About the author

Ellen Feld is an IRA/Children's Choices winner (twice) who began writing about horses more than 20 years ago. At first she wrote for small, regional magazines, but within a few short years, her work began to appear regularly in large, national publications. In 2001, while waiting for her next assignment, Ms. Feld wrote a short story about a Morgan Horse. That tale became the first chapter of Blackjack: Dreaming of a Morgan Horse. The book went on to win a coveted Children s Choices award, an honor bestowed jointly by the International Reading Association and the Children s Book Council. To date, Ms. Feld has authored fifteen books, including seven in the Morgan Horse series and three in the best-selling "Donkey-Donk" series. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two children, twelve horses, one miniature donkey, and assorted other pets.

Reviews

[Jennifer Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it is written for 9-12-year-old readers, Blackjack is an endearing story that any horse lover can relate to, young or old. It is a classic tale of a young girl’s love for her horse helping her to triumph over any obstacle in her path—whether it is a difficult canter lead or an evil horse trainer.

Blackjack is a wonderful book for young readers, showing them what a little hard work and perseverance can accomplish. Ms. Feld also manages to provide a primer on horse care and horse shows, weaving this excellent information into the story so it isn’t boring or preachy. It is a delightful read, with just the right mix of action and emotion.

[Ambree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Mrs. Feld use horse stuff in this book especially when she use the auction

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for a ten year old girl who loves horses.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! My Gram actually bought this book for me as a Christmas present when it first came out. Well, I set it to the side and promised myself that I would eventually read it. Years later, when I was a senior in High school, I finally did and I LOVED it! Its by no means just for kids! The characters are relate-able, the plot is exciting, and the horses are wonderful! I felt like I was living out my childhood dream of owning that big beautiful black stallion! Great for kids, great for adults.

[Cassie Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Morgan Horse series. My girls LOVE this series. They each have their favorite book in the series. The books are realistic and teach kids about what caring for a horse really means. In this book, the main character, Heather, learns how to ride/show a neighbor's horse. Oh, and something happens (can't say what, will ruin story) to horse and he's taken away. Will Heather get him back???

[Aspen B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Just relax and have fun." Heather is a horse- lover. Her bus driver, Chauncy had a 14 horses! Heather got to meet them and then she meets the horse of her dreams, Blackjack. She got to show him. Then Chauncy got a heart attack. He end up suviving but had to sale all of the horses. Blackjack went into the hands of Jim Spencer, a horrible trainer. Will Heather get Blackjack back?

[Holly Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great young adult story of Heather, who dreams of a beautiful black Morgan horse. Finding the real Blackjack, Heather learns to ride and show him. A Children's Choice award-winning book. The Morgan Horse Series is geared toward 8 - 12 year olds, but was appreciate by this adult!

[Rina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. I love reading horse stories, and I just had to read this, as Blackjack is a famous Morgan stallion in real life, and I met him and his owner. I even have a model horse of him.

[Sarah Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series.

[Molly B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great so far!!

[Cassie Melchior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blackjack is a really good book. It's got a great plot and a great ending. And some parts that are sad but get better. (Reviewer aged 10)

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an obsession with this book growing up. Although it made me jealous because I wanted my own horse!

[Lele · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING book I totally love it! GREAT story so far and I cant wait to read the whole book and read even more of these cool books.