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Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness
William -Doc- Key had a special way with animals. Growing up enslaved in Tennessee, Doc was sent to plantations around the state to care for sick and wounded animals. When the Civil War ended and Doc was freed, he began to dream of breeding a winning racehorse. But those dreams were dashed when his colt was born weak and sickly. Although many people would have euthanized the colt, Doc nursed him back to health and named him Jim.
Noticing a level of curiosity and eagerness in the horse, Doc began teaching Beautiful Jim Key first to recognize letters, then to read, write, add, subtract, and more. Doc soon took his talented horse on the road, spreading a message of patience and kindness, over cruelty, to all animals.
With striking illustrations by Daniel Minter, Step Right Up is the inspiring story of one man and one horse who showed the world the power of kindness.
This biography explores Common Core English Language Arts Standards and Social Studies Standards.
Noticing a level of curiosity and eagerness in the horse, Doc began teaching Beautiful Jim Key first to recognize letters, then to read, write, add, subtract, and more. Doc soon took his talented horse on the road, spreading a message of patience and kindness, over cruelty, to all animals.
With striking illustrations by Daniel Minter, Step Right Up is the inspiring story of one man and one horse who showed the world the power of kindness.
This biography explores Common Core English Language Arts Standards and Social Studies Standards.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2016
2 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
Donna Janell Bowman
9 books20 followersDonna Janell Bowman is an award-winning author of books for young readers, including Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness; Abraham Lincoln’s Dueling Words; King of the Tightrope: When the Great Blondin Ruled Niagara; and Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills, co-authored with Billy Mills. Donna’s books have garnered such accolades as starred reviews, state book awards, and honors from NCTE, NCSS, ALA/ALSC, and more. Donna has an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When not writing at her central Texas home, she enjoys speaking at schools around the country and coaching writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
February 8, 2023
This is an outstanding picture book biography - beautifully written, gorgeously illustrated and an incredible example of scholarship with its copious source notes and bibliography. A fascinating story to be shared by all.
Reread this with my sixth graders. I used it as a mentor text to introduce my picture book biography unit. My students were rapt and they also loved the video of the illustrator, Daniel Minter discussing his process, which is available on the Lee & Low website.
Reread this with my sixth graders. I used it as a mentor text to introduce my picture book biography unit. My students were rapt and they also loved the video of the illustrator, Daniel Minter discussing his process, which is available on the Lee & Low website.
December 4, 2017
“With kindness, anything is possible,” is the theme of this beautiful biography.
Even though Doc Key was born into slavery, when he became a free man, he started several successful businesses. He purchased a neglected Arabian mare who gave birth to Jim Key. The mare died while Jim was still young, so Doc let Jim into the house where the colt watched his every move.
Doc realized how intelligent Jim was, so he started teaching him numbers, the alphabet, and various facts. Doc always used love and kindness as rewards with Jim. He never used the whip.
Doc and Jim performed on stages where only white performers had previously played. As an advocate for equality and kindness, Doc would not allow segregated seating. While some people insisted that Jim’s education must be a hoax, Harvard professors could find no trickery.
This duo traveled and performed for nine years before retiring at the ages of 73 and 17.
The biography of these two incredible historical figures are included on the last four pages of the book, including some black and white photographs of them.
If you’re looking for a compelling story of kindness, an engaging biography, or a larger-than-life tale, this book contains all three.
Even though Doc Key was born into slavery, when he became a free man, he started several successful businesses. He purchased a neglected Arabian mare who gave birth to Jim Key. The mare died while Jim was still young, so Doc let Jim into the house where the colt watched his every move.
Doc realized how intelligent Jim was, so he started teaching him numbers, the alphabet, and various facts. Doc always used love and kindness as rewards with Jim. He never used the whip.
Doc and Jim performed on stages where only white performers had previously played. As an advocate for equality and kindness, Doc would not allow segregated seating. While some people insisted that Jim’s education must be a hoax, Harvard professors could find no trickery.
This duo traveled and performed for nine years before retiring at the ages of 73 and 17.
The biography of these two incredible historical figures are included on the last four pages of the book, including some black and white photographs of them.
If you’re looking for a compelling story of kindness, an engaging biography, or a larger-than-life tale, this book contains all three.
July 10, 2017
Step right up, educators! Parents! Children of all ages!
Most classrooms during the school year teach a genre study of biography. In an all-too-ugly world, a reminder to be "kinder than necessary" is an always present whisper in our students' ears. Diverse literature is a must in any classroom, especially in mine and the population I currently serve. Children need to read about how this country treated African Americans so history may never be revisited. For all these reasons, and so many more, I highly recommend STEP RIGHT UP. I plan to weave this one not into our biography unit at the beginning of the year, but in the middle of the year when we study nonfiction texts. I read aloud Koko, and think this one will pair nicely with it. I especially enjoyed the author's inclusion of the afterword and carefully researched notes at the end-valuable for kids' schema and useful to teach researching.
Thanks to Edelweiss for the sneak peek! I plan on ordering it for my class.
Most classrooms during the school year teach a genre study of biography. In an all-too-ugly world, a reminder to be "kinder than necessary" is an always present whisper in our students' ears. Diverse literature is a must in any classroom, especially in mine and the population I currently serve. Children need to read about how this country treated African Americans so history may never be revisited. For all these reasons, and so many more, I highly recommend STEP RIGHT UP. I plan to weave this one not into our biography unit at the beginning of the year, but in the middle of the year when we study nonfiction texts. I read aloud Koko, and think this one will pair nicely with it. I especially enjoyed the author's inclusion of the afterword and carefully researched notes at the end-valuable for kids' schema and useful to teach researching.
Thanks to Edelweiss for the sneak peek! I plan on ordering it for my class.
December 8, 2020
This is SO good! I've been waiting to write a worthy review and it's just not going to happen and I need to get this back to the library so other families can discover the amazing work of Doc and Jim Key. So, I'll just say, this is so worth a read! Amazing story. I really appreciate the emphasis placed on kindness to all beings and the work Key did to promote kindness to animals. (When I first heard of it, I was concerned that there was a bit of a "circus animal" type thing going on but, as it is presented here, that is not what happened and Doc was actually trying to promote more humane treatment of animals and to show that animals are intelligent and worthy of kindness and care). Key's efforts at breaking through prejudice and barriers for Blacks at the time is also noteworthy. Just, wow! Engagingly written as well as remarkably thoroughly researched and documented -- one of the best Afterwards and list of sources (including for all quotations) I've ever seen in a children's picture book. Highly recommend!
January 11, 2018
I have heard of this horse before and, I must admit, I assumed that there was some kind of chicanery or at least a gimmick that allowed the trainer to signal to the horse what answer to give.
Interestingly enough, the professor for my class in Cognitive Theory last spring brought up the horse and his trainer and we had a good discussion about the power of training, kindness, and the unconscious cues that scientists can impart upon their test subjects.
What I wasn't prepared for, though, was the idea that the relationship between the horse and man was indeed very deep. So deep, in fact, that they were very much in synch with one another. Thus, the results of the tests, while often used for advertising and entertainment, were not intended to deceive.
I discovered this book at our local library and knew that I had to read it. It provides a lot of the background information that I had never known, and it was a very fascinating read. The illustrations, "rendered as linoleum block prints painted with acrylic, are wonderful, with lots of textured details that depict an older time.
The last five pages of the book include an Afterword which provides more historical background and information on the famous duo as well as a listing of quotation sources and resources the author used in researching the book.
Overall, this is a very worthwhile read and is a great way to emphasize kindness without being too heavy handed about it.
interesting quotes:
"'The whip makes horses stubborn and they obey through fear,' Doc explained. 'Kindness, kindness, and more kindness, that's the way.'" (p. 29)
"A portion of the ticket sales for Jim's performances was donated to the humane societies. The money was used to buy horse ambulances and rescue cranes, fund educational programs, and buy books about animals for libraries. With their growing fame, Doc and Jim were helping to promote the cause of kindness toward animals." (p. 33)
"They had proven to millions of people what Doc Key had always believed: with kindness, anything is possible." (p. 42)
Interestingly enough, the professor for my class in Cognitive Theory last spring brought up the horse and his trainer and we had a good discussion about the power of training, kindness, and the unconscious cues that scientists can impart upon their test subjects.
What I wasn't prepared for, though, was the idea that the relationship between the horse and man was indeed very deep. So deep, in fact, that they were very much in synch with one another. Thus, the results of the tests, while often used for advertising and entertainment, were not intended to deceive.
I discovered this book at our local library and knew that I had to read it. It provides a lot of the background information that I had never known, and it was a very fascinating read. The illustrations, "rendered as linoleum block prints painted with acrylic, are wonderful, with lots of textured details that depict an older time.
The last five pages of the book include an Afterword which provides more historical background and information on the famous duo as well as a listing of quotation sources and resources the author used in researching the book.
Overall, this is a very worthwhile read and is a great way to emphasize kindness without being too heavy handed about it.
interesting quotes:
"'The whip makes horses stubborn and they obey through fear,' Doc explained. 'Kindness, kindness, and more kindness, that's the way.'" (p. 29)
"A portion of the ticket sales for Jim's performances was donated to the humane societies. The money was used to buy horse ambulances and rescue cranes, fund educational programs, and buy books about animals for libraries. With their growing fame, Doc and Jim were helping to promote the cause of kindness toward animals." (p. 33)
"They had proven to millions of people what Doc Key had always believed: with kindness, anything is possible." (p. 42)
April 23, 2017
Fascinating story that children will love to discover. Don't miss the extensive author's note with additional information about Doc Key and his special horse, Jim.
January 14, 2017
This is the true and amazing story about William “Doc” Key, born into slavery in 1833, and illegally educated by his masters.
Young William had a way with animals, and soon he was being sent all over Bedford County, Tennessee to help with injured or ill animals. Before long his skills extended to people, who started calling him Doc Key.
After Emancipation, Key started his own business and even created his own line of medicines, including “Doc’s Keystone Liniment,” which became a popular treatment for both people and horses.
One day Doc spotted a neglected and abused mare near a circus, and bought her for $40, naming her Lauretta. He nursed Lauretta back to heath and paired her with a racing stallion. Her first colt was sickly, but Doc nursed the colt back to health just as he had done with the mare. He called the colt Jim Key.
After a year, Lauretta died, but Jim Key still needed constant observation, so Doc moved the colt into his house. Jim began to act more like a dog than a horse, and when he grew too big for the house, he pitched a fit until Doc moved into the stall with him. Soon Jim began to accompany Doc on his trips to sell horse liniment. Jim would "act" sick and then instantly “recover” after getting the liniment.
Doc wondered what else Jim could learn, and began teaching him. After six months, Jim could pick out letters on cards when Doc said them. He learned to lick his name in sugar on a blackboard. After seven years of instruction, Doc took Jim to the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition in Nashville. Packed crowds were in awe as they watched Jim exhibit his learning.
Doc explained: “The whip makes horses stubborn and they obey through fear. Kindness, kindness, and more kindness, that’s the way.”
Doc and Jim went on the road, experiencing a great deal of racial discrimination. But humane societies, dedicated to ending cruelty toward animals, sponsored Doc and Jim, using a portion of ticket sales to help animals. In 1898, Jim actually started winning spelling bees! Professors from Harvard University who studied Jim concluded there were no tricks or hoax; “It is simply education.” Doc and Jim now drew record-breaking crowds. But as the author reports, Doc would not perform anywhere that had segregated seating.
The two retired when Doc was 73 and Jim was 17.
In the Afterword, the author tells about some additional accomplishments of Jim, and about the stray dog they both adopted, Monk, who served as Jim’s bodyguard, often riding on his back.
The author writes:
“Doc and Jim’s legacy lives on in today’s stronger humane movement, better enforced animal anticruelty laws, and greater societal compassion toward animals.”
Illustrations by award-winning Daniel Minter are charming. You can also see read photos and learn a great deal more about Doc, Jim, and Monk at the website “Beautiful Jim Key.”
Evaluation: This incredible story should help all readers understand that animals are sentient beings, deserving of respect and care and love. The fruits of such treatment will be rewarding all the way around.
Note: Lee & Low features a great teacher’s guide, with more links, background, questions, and activities, here.
Young William had a way with animals, and soon he was being sent all over Bedford County, Tennessee to help with injured or ill animals. Before long his skills extended to people, who started calling him Doc Key.
After Emancipation, Key started his own business and even created his own line of medicines, including “Doc’s Keystone Liniment,” which became a popular treatment for both people and horses.
One day Doc spotted a neglected and abused mare near a circus, and bought her for $40, naming her Lauretta. He nursed Lauretta back to heath and paired her with a racing stallion. Her first colt was sickly, but Doc nursed the colt back to health just as he had done with the mare. He called the colt Jim Key.
After a year, Lauretta died, but Jim Key still needed constant observation, so Doc moved the colt into his house. Jim began to act more like a dog than a horse, and when he grew too big for the house, he pitched a fit until Doc moved into the stall with him. Soon Jim began to accompany Doc on his trips to sell horse liniment. Jim would "act" sick and then instantly “recover” after getting the liniment.
Doc wondered what else Jim could learn, and began teaching him. After six months, Jim could pick out letters on cards when Doc said them. He learned to lick his name in sugar on a blackboard. After seven years of instruction, Doc took Jim to the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition in Nashville. Packed crowds were in awe as they watched Jim exhibit his learning.
Doc explained: “The whip makes horses stubborn and they obey through fear. Kindness, kindness, and more kindness, that’s the way.”
Doc and Jim went on the road, experiencing a great deal of racial discrimination. But humane societies, dedicated to ending cruelty toward animals, sponsored Doc and Jim, using a portion of ticket sales to help animals. In 1898, Jim actually started winning spelling bees! Professors from Harvard University who studied Jim concluded there were no tricks or hoax; “It is simply education.” Doc and Jim now drew record-breaking crowds. But as the author reports, Doc would not perform anywhere that had segregated seating.
The two retired when Doc was 73 and Jim was 17.
In the Afterword, the author tells about some additional accomplishments of Jim, and about the stray dog they both adopted, Monk, who served as Jim’s bodyguard, often riding on his back.
The author writes:
“Doc and Jim’s legacy lives on in today’s stronger humane movement, better enforced animal anticruelty laws, and greater societal compassion toward animals.”
Illustrations by award-winning Daniel Minter are charming. You can also see read photos and learn a great deal more about Doc, Jim, and Monk at the website “Beautiful Jim Key.”
Evaluation: This incredible story should help all readers understand that animals are sentient beings, deserving of respect and care and love. The fruits of such treatment will be rewarding all the way around.
Note: Lee & Low features a great teacher’s guide, with more links, background, questions, and activities, here.
February 18, 2018
Jim Key, the horse was an incredible animal, whose intellect was almost too good to be true. However, no one could ever prove that the horse did not actually know exactly what he was doing, or that he was being subtly coached by his owner/trainer Doc Key. Doc Key's rise from slave to wealthy business man is an equally inspiring story. Doc's gentle, kind, and very patient ways with the horse is no doubt the entire explanation for the horse's intelligence.
July 9, 2021
My kids have a reading challenge through our local library. They have bingo like card filled with things like "staff picks" and "book with a blue color." One of the choices was a diversity book. All the ones that were on the list were checked out since every one is trying to participate. Talked to the librarian, she asked what my daughter was interested in, she said horses. She directed us to this book and said it would fit the bill.
Well let me tell you I'm happy this strange series of events happened! Doc and Jim Key are my new heroes! Doc grew up with a love for animals and eventually came into ownership of Jim, the world's smartest horse. The things this horse could do were downright amazing. And Doc is equally amazing for teaching him. Doc and his brilliant horse Jim spread the love of animals and kindness around the nation. He was able to use his influence for equality as well in a way that is respectable and admirable.
I had never heard the story of Doc and Jim Key before and I feel like I want everyone to hear this story now. There are so many stories of so many interesting people and this is one of them that I think would be cool if more people knew about! Especially people who love animals.
A very fun read with my children.
Well let me tell you I'm happy this strange series of events happened! Doc and Jim Key are my new heroes! Doc grew up with a love for animals and eventually came into ownership of Jim, the world's smartest horse. The things this horse could do were downright amazing. And Doc is equally amazing for teaching him. Doc and his brilliant horse Jim spread the love of animals and kindness around the nation. He was able to use his influence for equality as well in a way that is respectable and admirable.
I had never heard the story of Doc and Jim Key before and I feel like I want everyone to hear this story now. There are so many stories of so many interesting people and this is one of them that I think would be cool if more people knew about! Especially people who love animals.
A very fun read with my children.
April 8, 2017
This amazing story about William (Doc) Key, a former slave who had a way with animals, will have readers questioning what they think they know about how much horses can learn. The self-taught veterinarian made a living caring for animals and selling his homegrown herbal remedies that he peddled from town to town. On his travels, he bought a broken down mare who he named Lauretta. He named her colt Jim Key. Under Doc Key's nurturing and training, Jim learned all sorts of tricks and eventually became part of his traveling show. The smart horse learned how to do math and how to spell. He even participated in spelling bees with children and was a popular part of various expositions. Because Jim Key was such a popular attraction, bringing attention to humane societies and providing an example of how kindness toward animals is always more effective than cruelty. Although some claimed that the horse was hypnotized or responded to cues from Doc Key when performing his feats with numbers and letters, what remains clear no matter what the case is that this was an extremely well-trained horse who would do just about anything for his human friend. The illustrations, created with linoleum block prints painted with acrylics, are the perfect complement to this wonderful story. While it's an astonishing story simply on its surface, the impact this horse had on breaking racial barriers between whites and blacks and attitudes toward animals and how they were treated at that time cannot be dismissed. Back matter includes an afterword that provides additional detail about Doc and Jim, references, and five photographs of Doc Key, Jim Key, and Monk, the horse's beloved canine companion. This picture book fits very well in a collection on compassion or one on extraordinary animals. I'd pair this one with Emily Arnold McCully's Wonder Horse for a slightly different perspective.
Read
January 6, 2017No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Aesop
The other day driving home in the early afternoon from a trip to the veterinarian either a very old or ill raccoon was starting to cross the road on my right. Slowing to a crawl I was able to give him a wide berth, hoping to eliminate any fear the creature may have felt. Looking in my rearview mirror and up ahead in the opposite lane I could see cars coming from both directions. I put on my brake lights again to warn the driver behind me and flashed my lights at the driver ahead of me. Almost afraid to look but wanting to know, I watched with a huge sense of relief and overwhelming gratitude to see the two drivers create a corridor of safety for the raccoon.
The more often more of us realize we need to be champions for those who need us the most, the better the entire world will be but most importantly our animal companions will and should be the benefactors. Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness (Lee & Low Books Inc., October 15, 2016) debut title by Donna Janell Bowman with illustrations by Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner Daniel Minter presents the unique story of a man's kindness and the remarkable acts it inspired. This is a rare book unlike any you may have encountered before or are likely to encounter in the future.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
Aesop
The other day driving home in the early afternoon from a trip to the veterinarian either a very old or ill raccoon was starting to cross the road on my right. Slowing to a crawl I was able to give him a wide berth, hoping to eliminate any fear the creature may have felt. Looking in my rearview mirror and up ahead in the opposite lane I could see cars coming from both directions. I put on my brake lights again to warn the driver behind me and flashed my lights at the driver ahead of me. Almost afraid to look but wanting to know, I watched with a huge sense of relief and overwhelming gratitude to see the two drivers create a corridor of safety for the raccoon.
The more often more of us realize we need to be champions for those who need us the most, the better the entire world will be but most importantly our animal companions will and should be the benefactors. Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness (Lee & Low Books Inc., October 15, 2016) debut title by Donna Janell Bowman with illustrations by Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner Daniel Minter presents the unique story of a man's kindness and the remarkable acts it inspired. This is a rare book unlike any you may have encountered before or are likely to encounter in the future.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
December 18, 2016
This fascinating story of wise Doc Key and his amazing ability and patience in educating his spindly horse Jim Key is hard to believe. Yet Doc, a man who was born a slave but after the civil war became a free man, truly did teach his horse to spell, count, and understand his commands. Jim even participated and won in spelling competitions with children. This miracle occurred because Doc always gave him a study diet of kindness and understanding. Doc Kelly performed with his horse Jim in many shows around the country, even in all white theaters where Doc Kelly insisted on equal white, and black people in the audience. His passion for teaching through kindness, helped promote the ASPCA cause which enlightened people on the need to end cruelty to animals. This problem unfortunately is still prevalent today. Doc Kelly, a self taught veterinarian, spent his whole life helping animals, and paving the way for a kinder future for them. This book belongs and every library, the attractive wood cut illustrations give tit a retro look of another time in history. The afterword is comprehensive and perfect for student research.
September 1, 2017
This is an amazing and true story of a man named Doc Key. Doc Key trained his young horse to do all kinds of amazing things...spell, make change from a cash register, recognize colors, solve math problems. It really is remarkable all that the horse, Jim Key, could do...and through gentle, kind training.
I thought the story of both the man and the horse were fascinating. Both had to overcome great difficulties. Doc was born a slave, but became a free man. He helped slaves on the Underground Railroad. He became a wealthy businessman and was actively involved in protecting animals. Highly recommended.
A great story of determination, hard work, and kindness!
I thought the story of both the man and the horse were fascinating. Both had to overcome great difficulties. Doc was born a slave, but became a free man. He helped slaves on the Underground Railroad. He became a wealthy businessman and was actively involved in protecting animals. Highly recommended.
A great story of determination, hard work, and kindness!
December 16, 2016
I had never heard of Doc Key or Beautiful Jim Key until being introduced to them through this book. This is a fascinating story of a man and his ability with animals. After Doc rescued a horse and brought her back to health, the horse was bred and gave birth to a horse that many said should be put down. However, Doc nursed the horse, loved it, and worked with it. That horse, Beautiful Jim Key, became a huge sensation and Doc became known for his gentle ways of treating animals. This is an inspiring story. The artwork in the book is also wonderful! A pure joy.
November 29, 2016
An incredible biography of an amazing man with a knack with animals who teaches a horse to count make change, file letters alphabetically... Doc, with Jim, were tireless in showing "that kindness was a more powerful tool than cruelty when training animals." They traveled nine years performing and money from ticket sales helped support humane societies across the US.
June 24, 2018
Who wouldn't love a biography about a man born as a slave that became a financial success as a freedman after the war? Well, add to that the compelling story of a man who championed the humane treatment of animals, saved and cared for sick and injured animals, and taught his horse how to read and do math! You have one really good true story of William "Doc" Key and his educated horse, Jim Key.
February 25, 2019
What an incredible story! Brooklyn chose this book at the library simply because there was a horse on the cover. I did not expect to discover this remarkable tribute to the power of kindness and education. We will definitely be adding it to our personal collection. This is a must read for any age!!
April 10, 2017
This is a beautifully written story about an amazing man and a remarkable horse. Young readers will be entertained by what Doc taught Jim to do while they also learn about the capacity of kindness and the resilience of both the human and animal spirit.
April 10, 2017
This is a fascinating story, carefully researched and beautifully told and illustrated. My husband and I have very much enjoyed reading it with young daughter, and have all learned a lot as we have done so.
July 20, 2017
The true story of Doc William Key and his horse Jim, a horse able to spell, do math, and understand all types of commands. Doc Key was a believer in treating animals with kindness and was an early supporter of humane societies. Fascinating story!
September 18, 2020
The true story of a former slave who used kindness instead of brutality to educate his horse. And by educate, I mean Doc Key taught Jim how to read, do arithmetic, spell...it was crazy! Fabulous book about what can be accomplished through love and kindness.
January 8, 2017
Kindness over cruelty. Beautiful message woven inside the pages of a story about the gift of kindness payed forward between a former slave and his beloved horse.
March 12, 2018
This was an intriguing book-to think that a horse can learn to read, do math and other tasks. I enjoyed reading it but felt it was a little long to be used as a read aloud.
August 5, 2020
Interesting and compelling story about a lesser-known historical figure. A bit long for a picture book, but it was engaging and the back matter was fascinating. Could be a great beginning of the year book for establishing some expectations about kindness and community with students.
September 26, 2017
William “Doc” Key was born into slavery. Fortunately for Doc, the people who owned him, John and Martha Key, believed it important for slaves to be educated and allowed Doc to learn with their sons. His mother had shared her love of horses with him. Doc helped a mother horse birth her colt. The colt had not looked as healthy as most colts did once born but Doc didn’t give up on the colt because of his kind heart. Doc was so good with animals he never gave up on them even after others had.
When Doc was around nine years old the people who owned him allowed him to work with animals at other farms. Doc learned from his mother how to distill roots and herbs into homemade remedies and he used those homemade remedies to treat horses’ injuries and ailments.
After the Civil War ended, Doc, now a free man, bought a patch of land and started a horse hospital, opened a blacksmith shop, a wagon wheel-and-harness-making shop, a restaurant, and a hotel and built a racetrack. Doc even formulated Doc’s Keystone Liniment. He bought a medicine wagon, hired entertainers and went on the road to sell his remedies.
Doc bought a purebred Arabian horse that had been abused and nursed her back to health the paired her with one of the fastest racing stallions in the country. Her colt, Jim Key, was born sickly and Doc nursed the colt to good health. Jim Key was a smart and amazing colt who grew into a smart and amazing stallion. Jim Key’s brilliance caught the attention of humane society and helped bring attention for the need of horse ambulances and rescue cranes, to fund education programs and encourage libraries to carry books about animals. Doc proved with kindness anything is possible.
Jim Key’s story is amazing and Jim’s story is a story to behold.
Daniel Minter illustrations helped tell the story.
Step Right Up How Doc and Jim Key Taught The World About Kindness is a story to be enjoyed by all readers.
When Doc was around nine years old the people who owned him allowed him to work with animals at other farms. Doc learned from his mother how to distill roots and herbs into homemade remedies and he used those homemade remedies to treat horses’ injuries and ailments.
After the Civil War ended, Doc, now a free man, bought a patch of land and started a horse hospital, opened a blacksmith shop, a wagon wheel-and-harness-making shop, a restaurant, and a hotel and built a racetrack. Doc even formulated Doc’s Keystone Liniment. He bought a medicine wagon, hired entertainers and went on the road to sell his remedies.
Doc bought a purebred Arabian horse that had been abused and nursed her back to health the paired her with one of the fastest racing stallions in the country. Her colt, Jim Key, was born sickly and Doc nursed the colt to good health. Jim Key was a smart and amazing colt who grew into a smart and amazing stallion. Jim Key’s brilliance caught the attention of humane society and helped bring attention for the need of horse ambulances and rescue cranes, to fund education programs and encourage libraries to carry books about animals. Doc proved with kindness anything is possible.
Jim Key’s story is amazing and Jim’s story is a story to behold.
Daniel Minter illustrations helped tell the story.
Step Right Up How Doc and Jim Key Taught The World About Kindness is a story to be enjoyed by all readers.
December 14, 2017
The true story of how a man and his horse helped change the world for better! Doc was a former slave, who after the Civil War became a successful veterinarian. On his travels he buys/rescues an Arabian mare and nurses her back to health. Imagining he could get an amazing racehorse out of her, he has her breed and sure enough she has a foal! However, the foal is sickly and obviously not cut out to race, so Doc has to nurse him to health too. While spending so much time with the foal, who he named "Jim Key", Doc realizes that Jim is very smart and starts to teach him. At first it's just tricks, but soon Doc is teaching Jim how to recognize letters, numbers and colors and before long, they are on the road showing others Jim's amazing talents!
There are so many ways this could have gone too far, but it doesn't. Doc had one point to make with Jim, kindness is a better teacher than fear and they make that point well! (Loved the story of Jim and the newspaper guy who didn't have a treat for him!) This would be a great story to pair with Sewell's Black Beauty, either as a contrast or as an "answer". Highly recommend for animal lovers!
As a bonus note, Doc Key was a really amazing person and I would recommend reading the bio in the back and am a little disappointed I'd never heard of him before!
Content notes: No issues; negro is used as the time period correct word for describing African-American people, but the author has a note on this as well to help the readers understand it. (Bravo, Ms. Bowman!) And though mistreatments of animals and people are mentioned they are not detailed or shown.
July 28, 2018
Years ago, I read the book by Monty Roberts, The Man Who Listens to Horses: The Story of a Real-Life Horse Whisperer. That book is about Robert's mindful approach in training horses: he felt and proved that horses could be trained through kindness rather than cruelty and intimidation. Those who "broke" horses the traditional way were skeptical, and he had his share of antagonism from their ranks. This review is not about that book, though I highly recommend it.
This book is about an ex-slave from Tennessee by the name of William Key. Key was gifted with medicinal healing and as a child in slavery was somehow educated and encouraged enough that he was able to put his skills and views to practice in visiting sick horses to help to heal them. This is how he earned his nickname 'Doc.' Later he builds his own medicinal business and is successful. With some of his earnings, he purchases a female Arabian horse from a circus gone bust, and heals her from her abusive treatment. She is bred and has a colt, but at birth the colt is weak and not what Doc had hoped. Still, he takes pity on the colt and cares for it. He is startled to find out quickly how intelligent the colt is, and how well it responds to him due to his kindness.
This is a story about the intelligence of animals and the benevolence of men like William Key whose pioneering of the kind treatment of animals in training helped to lead to such essential organizations as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
This book is about an ex-slave from Tennessee by the name of William Key. Key was gifted with medicinal healing and as a child in slavery was somehow educated and encouraged enough that he was able to put his skills and views to practice in visiting sick horses to help to heal them. This is how he earned his nickname 'Doc.' Later he builds his own medicinal business and is successful. With some of his earnings, he purchases a female Arabian horse from a circus gone bust, and heals her from her abusive treatment. She is bred and has a colt, but at birth the colt is weak and not what Doc had hoped. Still, he takes pity on the colt and cares for it. He is startled to find out quickly how intelligent the colt is, and how well it responds to him due to his kindness.
This is a story about the intelligence of animals and the benevolence of men like William Key whose pioneering of the kind treatment of animals in training helped to lead to such essential organizations as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
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November 14, 2018Summary:
William "Doc" Key was born into slavery. He recieved an education from his masters and had an extraordinary gift with animals. Once the civil war ended, he began to create a life for himself. He became a successful businessman. A sickly colt, Jim Key, changed Doc's life. The young colt was raised with kindness. He was intelligent, and one fateful day Doc's wife discovered that Jim Key could nod his head yes. This led to Jim Key being educated by Doc. The two performed across the country together to demonstrate what the power of kindness could do. The story of Jim key and Doc is one of kindness and compassion.
Evaluation:
The story of Jim Key may seem to be pure fiction, but it is true. Doc used humane methods to teach Jim to read, write, spell, and add sums. The story is a narrative about the pair. The illustrations are reminiscent of newspaper illustrations from the time. It is a longer picture book with a great deal of text, so it is suitable for the upper elementary grades. The book concludes with an afterword about Jim Key and Doc.
Teaching Ideas:
The story of Jim Key and Doc can be used to teach students about life for African Americans after the civil war. Doc was successful but many former slaves experienced prejudice and racism. The story can open the students up to a discussion of how Doc's kindness to Jim Key reflects a greater need for people to be kinder to each other and animals.
William "Doc" Key was born into slavery. He recieved an education from his masters and had an extraordinary gift with animals. Once the civil war ended, he began to create a life for himself. He became a successful businessman. A sickly colt, Jim Key, changed Doc's life. The young colt was raised with kindness. He was intelligent, and one fateful day Doc's wife discovered that Jim Key could nod his head yes. This led to Jim Key being educated by Doc. The two performed across the country together to demonstrate what the power of kindness could do. The story of Jim key and Doc is one of kindness and compassion.
Evaluation:
The story of Jim Key may seem to be pure fiction, but it is true. Doc used humane methods to teach Jim to read, write, spell, and add sums. The story is a narrative about the pair. The illustrations are reminiscent of newspaper illustrations from the time. It is a longer picture book with a great deal of text, so it is suitable for the upper elementary grades. The book concludes with an afterword about Jim Key and Doc.
Teaching Ideas:
The story of Jim Key and Doc can be used to teach students about life for African Americans after the civil war. Doc was successful but many former slaves experienced prejudice and racism. The story can open the students up to a discussion of how Doc's kindness to Jim Key reflects a greater need for people to be kinder to each other and animals.
June 14, 2018
What a fabulous debut book for author Donna Janell Bowman! I have been anxious to read this one and her follow up book about Abraham since meeting her at the Texas Library Association conference in April 2018. I was impressed by her sweet, yet passionate, temperament and expected much from her books. Step Right Up did not disappoint. In it, Bowman lays out the almost unbelievable, yet true, story of “Doc” William Key and his highly educated horse named Jim. After working tirelessly to save Jim after his fragile start in life, that same kindness and perseverance resulted in a horse that could read, spell, solve mathematics problems and more. The pair performed for large crowds and even presidents. Throughout their 9 years on the road, the messages of equality for all and humane treatment for animals were woven into their act. This picture book will appeal to fans of horses, history, and books with valuable life lessons. Lovers of beautiful illustrations will enjoys Daniel Minter’s skilled use of linoleum block printing with acrylic paint. The higher reading level of this picture book may put it outside the range of the typical K-2 student, but students in grades 3-5 will all gain much from it and teachers in the younger grades will find it a worthwhile read aloud. Art teachers in many grade levels may want to use this picture book as an example of a beautiful art medium.
July 27, 2017
This is the story of William "Doc" Key and his educated horse, Jim Key. Yes, you read that right, an educated horse. Jim could read, spell, identify colors, make change from a cash register, file letters and more.
I think it is safe to say that Doc and Jim broke barriers. Doc was able to perform on stages that were only designated for Whites and when he performed in the south, he refused to do so for segregated audiences, making property owners change the rules.
This is an intriguing story. I think animals are intelligent in their own right, but to have such intelligence like this, on a human level, is something new. This horse could spell. He may not have been able to voice the letters or words, but he knew them. Doc and Jim led the way for humane treatment of animals. After seeing that animals are thinking, feeling beings, people begin to treat them better, but there is still more work to do. Today, the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are the leading advocates for animal rights. They have Doc and Jim to thank for that.
The resources in the rear of the book are divine. I will have to check them all out. I want to know more about William "Doc" Key and his life.
5 Stars
I think it is safe to say that Doc and Jim broke barriers. Doc was able to perform on stages that were only designated for Whites and when he performed in the south, he refused to do so for segregated audiences, making property owners change the rules.
This is an intriguing story. I think animals are intelligent in their own right, but to have such intelligence like this, on a human level, is something new. This horse could spell. He may not have been able to voice the letters or words, but he knew them. Doc and Jim led the way for humane treatment of animals. After seeing that animals are thinking, feeling beings, people begin to treat them better, but there is still more work to do. Today, the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are the leading advocates for animal rights. They have Doc and Jim to thank for that.
The resources in the rear of the book are divine. I will have to check them all out. I want to know more about William "Doc" Key and his life.
5 Stars
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