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Jubilee: The First Therapy Horse and an Olympic Dream
A Junior Library Guild exclusive selection!
Lis Hartel became paralyzed after contracting polio in 1944. Her dreams of riding horses and competing in the sport of dressage were shattered. After months in the hospital, doctors told her she’d never ride again. Lis tried anyway. How do you stay on a horse without using your legs? How do you give the subtle cues needed in dressage with limited mobility? With hard work—and an unlikely horse named Jubilee. After years of training together and creating a new way of communicating, Lis and Jubilee danced into the competition ring, and eventually all the way to the Olympics. Lis Hartel became the first woman with a disability to compete in the Olympics, and the first woman to stand beside men on the Olympic winner’s podium for equestrian sports.
Lis Hartel became paralyzed after contracting polio in 1944. Her dreams of riding horses and competing in the sport of dressage were shattered. After months in the hospital, doctors told her she’d never ride again. Lis tried anyway. How do you stay on a horse without using your legs? How do you give the subtle cues needed in dressage with limited mobility? With hard work—and an unlikely horse named Jubilee. After years of training together and creating a new way of communicating, Lis and Jubilee danced into the competition ring, and eventually all the way to the Olympics. Lis Hartel became the first woman with a disability to compete in the Olympics, and the first woman to stand beside men on the Olympic winner’s podium for equestrian sports.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published February 1, 2022
About the author
KT Johnston
2 books10 followersKT Johnston writes historical narrative nonfiction about ordinary animals from the dusty past who had an extraordinary impact on a person’s life, and in the process, left a mark on humanity itself.
Bank Street calls KT’s debut RAILWAY JACK: The True Story of an Amazing Baboon one of the “Best Children’s Books of the Year,” and her second book JUBILEE: The First Therapy Horse and an Olympic Dream was selected by the Jr. Library Guild as a Gold Standard in children’s literature.
KT earned a degree in biology and conducted wildlife studies before settling into a more stationary corporate career as an analyst. KT hopes to inspire children to be curious about our world one true story at a time.
▶ Downloadable Reading Guides ◀
Bonus: KT’s Pinterest musings and Facebook feed
Bank Street calls KT’s debut RAILWAY JACK: The True Story of an Amazing Baboon one of the “Best Children’s Books of the Year,” and her second book JUBILEE: The First Therapy Horse and an Olympic Dream was selected by the Jr. Library Guild as a Gold Standard in children’s literature.
KT earned a degree in biology and conducted wildlife studies before settling into a more stationary corporate career as an analyst. KT hopes to inspire children to be curious about our world one true story at a time.
▶ Downloadable Reading Guides ◀
Bonus: KT’s Pinterest musings and Facebook feed
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 22, 2021
A story about will and determination despite a fate we cannot change.
What we can change is what we decide to do about it.
This short storybook gave me hope and so much enthusiasm.
Love the illustrations and the concept.
Definitely a must read.
Thank you author and the publisher for the advance reading copy.
What we can change is what we decide to do about it.
This short storybook gave me hope and so much enthusiasm.
Love the illustrations and the concept.
Definitely a must read.
Thank you author and the publisher for the advance reading copy.
January 21, 2023
I appreciate non-fiction children’s picture books that are interesting and about things kids, and even adults, might not know.
This was about an ordinary horse and woman who did amazing things together. The artwork was lovely and while this was wordy and would be best for an older younger reader or to be read to from this book, it is written in an easy to understand way without talking down to the little one.
I love reading little snippets of history and biographies like this. Definitely recommended.
5, I admit I wish they had gotten a gold and not just silver, stars.
This was about an ordinary horse and woman who did amazing things together. The artwork was lovely and while this was wordy and would be best for an older younger reader or to be read to from this book, it is written in an easy to understand way without talking down to the little one.
I love reading little snippets of history and biographies like this. Definitely recommended.
5, I admit I wish they had gotten a gold and not just silver, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2022
Wow! I just loved this book!. It is a very beautiful story. Very touching yet very inspirational. It got me into tears, tears of joy that is. At the same time, this story taught us to be courageous,to have faith in ourselves, to be determine, to persevere when tested and not to wallow in self-pity when an illness and disability striked us. Lis Hartel successfully proven just that, that her polio and disability do not deter or stop her from pursuing her interests and dreams.
She strongly shown that what the normal people can do, she can also do it too, even better than them by being the first woman with a disability to win a medal in the Olympic. She prevailed against gender discrimination at that time by showcasing her remarkable performances in the Olympics and by being the first woman athlete's to stand beside men in victory on the podium.
She's got guts and grit by showing to everyone anything is possible to be achieved if we believe in ourselves and are willing to work hard for it.
Not to forget the other main character in this story which the story is based and inspired from,that is the beautiful mare horse named Jubilee. Jubilee herself showcases such a remarkable and strong character despite her own physical shortcomings that is her lankiness. She just blends in perfectly with Lis by providing her comfort and being a good and cooperative partner. Together, they both made a fantastic duo. How lucky Lis is to have such a refined horse as Jubilee and how i wish i have a horse like Jubilee too.
In short, i loved this beautiful short story and i think the visuals are captivating. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone as a source of inspiration and motivation.
She strongly shown that what the normal people can do, she can also do it too, even better than them by being the first woman with a disability to win a medal in the Olympic. She prevailed against gender discrimination at that time by showcasing her remarkable performances in the Olympics and by being the first woman athlete's to stand beside men in victory on the podium.
She's got guts and grit by showing to everyone anything is possible to be achieved if we believe in ourselves and are willing to work hard for it.
Not to forget the other main character in this story which the story is based and inspired from,that is the beautiful mare horse named Jubilee. Jubilee herself showcases such a remarkable and strong character despite her own physical shortcomings that is her lankiness. She just blends in perfectly with Lis by providing her comfort and being a good and cooperative partner. Together, they both made a fantastic duo. How lucky Lis is to have such a refined horse as Jubilee and how i wish i have a horse like Jubilee too.
In short, i loved this beautiful short story and i think the visuals are captivating. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone as a source of inspiration and motivation.
August 18, 2021
Lis Hartel loved riding horses, but when she is paralyzed by polio, from the waist down, she thinks she can never ride a horse again, but is bound and determined to.
This is the story of a woman who not only went back to riding horses, but was able to compete against men in the olympics in the 1950s, and won a medal. She was the first woman to do so, as well. And since she couldn't use her legs to let her horses know how to move, she had to use her hands, and be very subtle about it as ell.
Good introduction to a Olympian that I have never heard of, and expect that others feel that way as well.
I love these biographies of little know people, and how this story brings their life to view.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This is the story of a woman who not only went back to riding horses, but was able to compete against men in the olympics in the 1950s, and won a medal. She was the first woman to do so, as well. And since she couldn't use her legs to let her horses know how to move, she had to use her hands, and be very subtle about it as ell.
Good introduction to a Olympian that I have never heard of, and expect that others feel that way as well.
I love these biographies of little know people, and how this story brings their life to view.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
November 9, 2021
Such an inspiring true story of courage, perseverance, and love.
A young mother and her horse go against all odds to overcome polio. Lis Hartel competed in the sport of dressage until she was stricken with polio. Her story tells how she overcame and acquired her new horse Jubilee. Together they worked long hours to compete again. During this time, women were a rarity in competition so Lis overcame those stereotypes as well.
A story that children will appreciate. There is always room for a good horse story.
A special thank you to Capstone and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A young mother and her horse go against all odds to overcome polio. Lis Hartel competed in the sport of dressage until she was stricken with polio. Her story tells how she overcame and acquired her new horse Jubilee. Together they worked long hours to compete again. During this time, women were a rarity in competition so Lis overcame those stereotypes as well.
A story that children will appreciate. There is always room for a good horse story.
A special thank you to Capstone and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 28, 2022
This historical picture book based on a true story, has crossover for older readers, powerfully shares the true story of Lis Hartel, a woman of many “firsts,” including the first woman with a disability ever to win an Olympic medal, and the first woman to stand equally beside men on the Olympic winners’ podium—in any sport.
As a child, Lis Hartel was a rising equestrian star, until her dreams were shattered when she was diagnosed with polio. She was told she would never walk again, let alone ride. Though she never regained full use of her arms and legs, with determination and resilience, and with the help of a “second-rate” horse, she proved her doctors wrong. Not only did she ride, she and Jubilee “danced” their way to a silver Olympic medal—at a time when women were not permitted to compete in the Olympics.
In addition to the determination of the female spirit and demonstration of how far women have come, this book beautifully shows the power of the human-animal bond. Not only for lovers of horses, but lovers of animals of all kinds will deeply connect with this book. Similar to the deep connection developed and created between Lis and her horse, Jubilee. And another first, Lisa opened the first riding center for people with disabilities. Soon the benefits of riding were recognized by the medical community and became a form of physical therapy now called "hippo-therapy." Never before had anyone imagined that animals could help people in this way.
With themes of disability, special needs, illness, this book has considerable classroom potential, would be excellent for homeschooling, and deserves a place in every elementary school library. Highly recommended! #ReadYourWorld2022
As a child, Lis Hartel was a rising equestrian star, until her dreams were shattered when she was diagnosed with polio. She was told she would never walk again, let alone ride. Though she never regained full use of her arms and legs, with determination and resilience, and with the help of a “second-rate” horse, she proved her doctors wrong. Not only did she ride, she and Jubilee “danced” their way to a silver Olympic medal—at a time when women were not permitted to compete in the Olympics.
In addition to the determination of the female spirit and demonstration of how far women have come, this book beautifully shows the power of the human-animal bond. Not only for lovers of horses, but lovers of animals of all kinds will deeply connect with this book. Similar to the deep connection developed and created between Lis and her horse, Jubilee. And another first, Lisa opened the first riding center for people with disabilities. Soon the benefits of riding were recognized by the medical community and became a form of physical therapy now called "hippo-therapy." Never before had anyone imagined that animals could help people in this way.
With themes of disability, special needs, illness, this book has considerable classroom potential, would be excellent for homeschooling, and deserves a place in every elementary school library. Highly recommended! #ReadYourWorld2022
October 8, 2021
A touching story of triumph against adversity and the healing power of animals, this picture book tells the story of Lis Hartel, the first woman to compete against men at the Olympics. After becoming paralyzed from polio, Lis is told she'll never ride a horse again. However, she's so determined to do it, she winds up competing in dressage at the Olympics and winning a silver medal. Horse-loving kids will especially love this true story and discussion questions in the back matter invite them to go deeper into the book.
(This review was based on a digital ARC I accessed via NetGalley.)
(This review was based on a digital ARC I accessed via NetGalley.)
October 20, 2022
A story of hope, courage, and determination. This inspiring story is a wonderful example of how determination and hard work pay off. With its universal themes, this book will appeal to horse-lovers and non-horse lovers alike. I highly recommend this book for all classrooms and library collections.
March 15, 2024
This is one of my few 5 Star books! As an equestrian myself, a lot of horse-centered books have glaringly obvious misinformation and poor writing that brings the book down in my ratings. However, this one wasn’t like that.
All the information in the book was accurate. This surprised me a little, as even horse books written by horse people can have a lot of bad information, and this author wasn’t really a horse person. This just proves how much research and time the author put into this book. Not only was she able to provide true information, she was able to describe horses and dressage in a moving, understandable, and accurate way.
Hippotherapy is an amazing thing to me. So many people don’t understand how special it is, and how much it can help challenged people manage disabilities. People like Lis with polio are able to regain some use of their legs because of the muscles that riding uses. Non-verbal people with autism can sometimes begin to talk after being in hippotherapy. People with PTSD or anxiety are able to learn to manage their fears and emotions because of how a horse’s energy affects humans. This book described hippotherapy perfectly.
Even equestrians without disabilities could learn from this book and Lis and Jubilee’s story. Lis and Jubilee were a truly harmonious pair. Because of Lis’ disability, she couldn’t really dominate over Jubilee like some riders do. They had to be truly connected and on the same page in order to climb up the ranks together. This is really how all horse and rider pairs should be, but a lot of people find it easier to use force and domination. Learning about Lis and Jubilee could really show people what true horsemanship is.
I have absolutely NO complaints about this book. It’s very rare that I love a book 100%. But this one is truly perfect.
All the information in the book was accurate. This surprised me a little, as even horse books written by horse people can have a lot of bad information, and this author wasn’t really a horse person. This just proves how much research and time the author put into this book. Not only was she able to provide true information, she was able to describe horses and dressage in a moving, understandable, and accurate way.
Hippotherapy is an amazing thing to me. So many people don’t understand how special it is, and how much it can help challenged people manage disabilities. People like Lis with polio are able to regain some use of their legs because of the muscles that riding uses. Non-verbal people with autism can sometimes begin to talk after being in hippotherapy. People with PTSD or anxiety are able to learn to manage their fears and emotions because of how a horse’s energy affects humans. This book described hippotherapy perfectly.
Even equestrians without disabilities could learn from this book and Lis and Jubilee’s story. Lis and Jubilee were a truly harmonious pair. Because of Lis’ disability, she couldn’t really dominate over Jubilee like some riders do. They had to be truly connected and on the same page in order to climb up the ranks together. This is really how all horse and rider pairs should be, but a lot of people find it easier to use force and domination. Learning about Lis and Jubilee could really show people what true horsemanship is.
I have absolutely NO complaints about this book. It’s very rare that I love a book 100%. But this one is truly perfect.
January 26, 2022
This book couldn’t have come into my life at a more perfect time. My daughter is finally on the speech and debate team I coach, and was beginning to write her informative speech on therapy horses. She has suffered from anxiety for years, and horse therapy has been of profound benefit to her. We are a horsey family; my mother was an equestrian and riding mistress in England before she came to the United States.
I was thrilled to read about Hartel and Jubilee. The partnership between horse and rider is a mysterious, miraculous thing, and this one is no exception. Add in the excitement of Lis’ recovery from polio and being one of the first women to compete as an equestrian in the Olympics (where the equestrian sports are still the only ones where women and men compete head-to-head), and you get a feel-good story that yes, made me happy cry. Beyond her competitive success, Hartel became a pioneer in using horses in various therapies. And that is something for which I will forever be grateful.
Hartel’s story has become an important section in my daughter’s speech, and her judges are loving it. I’m so happy that the author shared this story. While this book is aimed at early elementary students, it is a story that anyone can enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
I was thrilled to read about Hartel and Jubilee. The partnership between horse and rider is a mysterious, miraculous thing, and this one is no exception. Add in the excitement of Lis’ recovery from polio and being one of the first women to compete as an equestrian in the Olympics (where the equestrian sports are still the only ones where women and men compete head-to-head), and you get a feel-good story that yes, made me happy cry. Beyond her competitive success, Hartel became a pioneer in using horses in various therapies. And that is something for which I will forever be grateful.
Hartel’s story has become an important section in my daughter’s speech, and her judges are loving it. I’m so happy that the author shared this story. While this book is aimed at early elementary students, it is a story that anyone can enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2...
October 24, 2022
Johnston tells the story of Lis Hartel, a Danish girl who loved horses and competed in dressage (a horse riding sport) well before she was diagnosed with polio.
As a young mother, she found herself with severe physical limitations, which left her wondering what activities she could still do, including riding horses. Her long-time horse, Gigilo, was getting too old to compete in dressage, so she decided to adopt the challenge of training a younger horse, Jubilee, to compete.
Lis and Jubilee started winning dressage contests across Scandinavia when people started talking about the upcoming Olympics. Only men competed in the Olympics for dressage--until then. Lis received word that women would be allowed to compete directly against men in dressage at the next Olympics.
Lis and Jubilee earned the silver medal and then traveled throughout Europe giving exhibitions of their skills. "Lis donated the money she made to help polio victims." They competed in two more Olympics before Jubilee retired.
This is a good story about determination and the bond between people and animals. It's also a good story about a woman who pioneered competing in what was a male-dominated sport.
The illustrations by Anabella Ortiz are primarily of Lis (decked out in her dressage outfit) riding Jubilee.
The text is a little mature, so I would guess that independent readers ages 10-13 would be ideal.
As a young mother, she found herself with severe physical limitations, which left her wondering what activities she could still do, including riding horses. Her long-time horse, Gigilo, was getting too old to compete in dressage, so she decided to adopt the challenge of training a younger horse, Jubilee, to compete.
Lis and Jubilee started winning dressage contests across Scandinavia when people started talking about the upcoming Olympics. Only men competed in the Olympics for dressage--until then. Lis received word that women would be allowed to compete directly against men in dressage at the next Olympics.
Lis and Jubilee earned the silver medal and then traveled throughout Europe giving exhibitions of their skills. "Lis donated the money she made to help polio victims." They competed in two more Olympics before Jubilee retired.
This is a good story about determination and the bond between people and animals. It's also a good story about a woman who pioneered competing in what was a male-dominated sport.
The illustrations by Anabella Ortiz are primarily of Lis (decked out in her dressage outfit) riding Jubilee.
The text is a little mature, so I would guess that independent readers ages 10-13 would be ideal.
December 20, 2021
JUBILEE: The First Therapy Horse and an Olympic Dream is the true story of Lis Hartel, a Danish woman who, as a girl, loved horses and trained to compete in dressage competitions. In fact, she became Denmark’s national champion. But that’s when this story really begins. As a young mother, Lis contracted polio and wondered if she’d ever walk again, much less ride.
Though handicapped, Lis didn’t give up. She began training on a calm and lanky horse named Jubilee. The intelligent horse was receptive to Lis’ gentle commands and together they began competing. They competed in the 1952 Olympics, when there weren’t separate events for men and women, and together won the silver medal. They competed again and won a second silver in 1956.
This inspirational book introduces a brave woman who persevered and an ordinary horse who had an extraordinary impact on the life of her rider. It is a story for everyone who loves horses and seeing people overcome challenges.
The author’s notes give more information about the partnership between Lis Hartel and Jubilee and how Lis opened the first riding academy for people with disabilities. Discussion questions and resources are also included for those who want to know more.
Though handicapped, Lis didn’t give up. She began training on a calm and lanky horse named Jubilee. The intelligent horse was receptive to Lis’ gentle commands and together they began competing. They competed in the 1952 Olympics, when there weren’t separate events for men and women, and together won the silver medal. They competed again and won a second silver in 1956.
This inspirational book introduces a brave woman who persevered and an ordinary horse who had an extraordinary impact on the life of her rider. It is a story for everyone who loves horses and seeing people overcome challenges.
The author’s notes give more information about the partnership between Lis Hartel and Jubilee and how Lis opened the first riding academy for people with disabilities. Discussion questions and resources are also included for those who want to know more.
June 26, 2022
I love reading stories about inspiring women in history, and Lis Hartel’s recovery from polio to go on to win Olympic medals in dressage is undoubtedly moving. But this story goes a step further and introduces us to Jubilee, the horse with whom Lis had a special relationship that aided in Lis’ recovery and allowed her to be a successful competitor. I loved learning about the unique partnership between the pair and the system of communication they developed since Lis’s limited mobility kept her from using traditional techniques to command Jubilee. I was unfamiliar with this piece of history and love how the author added enough detail to satisfy my curiosity while also making it manageable for young readers. The vibrant illustrations highlight the determination and dedication that both Lis and Jubilee contributed to their success.
This story will appeal to a broad audience and is important because it showcases the accomplishments of a disabled athlete. I think it would be an excellent addition to any picture book biography collection, and I look forward to sharing it with my patrons.
This story will appeal to a broad audience and is important because it showcases the accomplishments of a disabled athlete. I think it would be an excellent addition to any picture book biography collection, and I look forward to sharing it with my patrons.
September 14, 2021
I really enjoyed watching equestrian events during the 2020 Summer Olympics, and was fascinated to read an advance copy of this nonfiction picture book about a woman who continued horseback riding after polio partly paralyzed her, bonded with a horse that could adapt to her unique needs, and went on to win an Olympic medal. This is a very inspiring story, and the writing and illustrations are both great. I really enjoyed this.
This is an excellent book for children and adults who are interested in horses, stories of disabled people persevering through obstacles, and stories about groundbreaking women in sports. I have never read anything like this, and found the unique story absolutely fascinating. This wonderful book is very educational, has an inspiring emotional arc, and includes additional information and discussion questions at the end to support classroom use. I would highly recommend this to libraries, schools, and families.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an excellent book for children and adults who are interested in horses, stories of disabled people persevering through obstacles, and stories about groundbreaking women in sports. I have never read anything like this, and found the unique story absolutely fascinating. This wonderful book is very educational, has an inspiring emotional arc, and includes additional information and discussion questions at the end to support classroom use. I would highly recommend this to libraries, schools, and families.
I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2021
This attractive and most welcome book brings a lost story to focus – the true facts surrounding how a Danish woman, twice national champion, and prevented from one Olympics due to being the wrong gender, managed to win back-to-back silvers in dressage, with a horse never designed for the discipline, and having been disabled through polio. Being an early advocate for how therapy can be gained from horse riding, the subject, Lis Hartel, has a lesson for people with interests in ability rights, while Jubilee herself joins in with Lis in showing the moral of how you can always achieve the unexpected. I don't know enough about horses to guarantee, but it seems the progress in Jubilee comes across in very fine art, and I think I'd only improve this by trimming some of the words – the text is a little too long for some readers and for some aspects of the story. Definitely a strong four stars, however.
October 6, 2021
I absolutely loved Jubilee: The First Therapy Horse and an Olympic Dream by KT Johnson. Jubilee tells the story of Jubilee the Horse and her rider Lis from Denmark. Lis rode competitively in dressage until she contracted Polio and was not able to walk. Lis worked hard to recover from Polio and had to learn how to crawl and stand all over again. When Lis learned the basics all over again, she decided to ride horses all over again. Lis was given the option of riding Jubilee. Jubilee and Lis then began to compete and win dressage competitions. Lis and Jubilee became one of the first woman to compete in dressage in the Olympics.. Jubilee: The First Therapy Horse and an Olympic Dream tells of Jubilee and Lis’ Olympic triumph. I really enjoyed learning about this part of Olympic and Disability History and I highly recommend this book! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book! (This review is also on Goodreads.)
November 23, 2021
I love learning about interesting people, and this book is not just about an interesting person, but an interesting animal and their extraordinary bond.
When Lis Hartel, one of Denmark's finest Dressage competitors is stricken with polio and paralyzed, Lis is not deterred. She works to regain strength in her arms and to find a way to once again ride her beloved horse.
Jubilee was a young, lanky horse, never meant for dressage, but turned out to be perfectly suited to Lis and her needs.
Together, they not only became one of the finest dressage teams in the world, but they sparked the beginnings of hippotherapy.
A fascinating, and inspirational read that reminds us of the power of determination. The illustrations are beautifully done and perfectly match the text. I recommend this one to all, but especially to those who love horses, olympics, and inspirational real-life heroes.
When Lis Hartel, one of Denmark's finest Dressage competitors is stricken with polio and paralyzed, Lis is not deterred. She works to regain strength in her arms and to find a way to once again ride her beloved horse.
Jubilee was a young, lanky horse, never meant for dressage, but turned out to be perfectly suited to Lis and her needs.
Together, they not only became one of the finest dressage teams in the world, but they sparked the beginnings of hippotherapy.
A fascinating, and inspirational read that reminds us of the power of determination. The illustrations are beautifully done and perfectly match the text. I recommend this one to all, but especially to those who love horses, olympics, and inspirational real-life heroes.
December 31, 2021
This stunning picture book shares the story of Lis Hartel and her determination to recover from polio enough to be able to ride horses again and compete in the sport of dressage. As a current middle school librarian and former elementary social studies teacher, I love nonfiction picture books and this one is definitely one I will add to both my school and personal collection. This is a multi layered story about the main character, Lis, her battle back from polio, and is set against the backdrop of the Olympics in the 1940s and 1950s. It describes how Lis and her horse Jubilee overcame great odds with tremendous determination and is truly inspiring. I will definitely be purchasing this title for my library and encouraging students to dig deeper into the historical aspects of the story. Thank you to the author for providing me a digital copy!
January 18, 2022
Jubilee tells a gorgeous and inspiring story that will be adored by horse lovers and also by those who enjoy uplifting stories. It is a biography about Lis, a talented rider, who developed polio. Lis was told that she would never ride again. But the human spirit can do more than others can possibly imagine as readers discover here. Follow Lis and Jubilee in this story that is set in the 1940s and 50s. There is an incredibly touching moment in this story; wait for it.
In this title, readers learn that horse and rider needed to work together effortlessly. To me, it appears that the author and illustrator did this as well.
I loved this book and am eager to share it with readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
In this title, readers learn that horse and rider needed to work together effortlessly. To me, it appears that the author and illustrator did this as well.
I loved this book and am eager to share it with readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
November 30, 2022
It's named after the horse, but this is really a biography of Lis Hartel, Olympic equestrian, from her childhood and early riding success, through her polio recovery and Olympic success. The richly colorful illustrations should help keep readers interested through the comprehensive text. It's also a great description of handling disability and pursuing goals.
I'm left confused about which events are co-ed -- there's a big deal about the Olympic being co-ed but I have no idea if the national qualifiers were? Are there separate events sometimes for men and women? And wasn't there a war going on in Denmark in 1943? Were they still holding national dressage competitions?
And learning that Jubilee died right after retirement in the afterward was a bit of a blow. I'm sentimental!
I'm left confused about which events are co-ed -- there's a big deal about the Olympic being co-ed but I have no idea if the national qualifiers were? Are there separate events sometimes for men and women? And wasn't there a war going on in Denmark in 1943? Were they still holding national dressage competitions?
And learning that Jubilee died right after retirement in the afterward was a bit of a blow. I'm sentimental!
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October 3, 2021I love heroic animal stories and this one doesn’t disappoint! After her arms and legs were severely weakened by polio, horse champion Lis Hartel trains a tall, lankey horse called Jubilee to sense her smallest movements to learn the art of dressage. KT Johnson tells this amazing story about a connection with a disabled human and the first therapy horse as they dream big and go all the way to the Olympics. The sparse artwork by Anabella Ortiz puts the focus where it belongs – solely on the horse and her rider. A beautiful tale rooted in history that encourages readers, young and old, that it’s never too late to reach your dream.
November 23, 2021
Railway Jack (one of my pb favorites) author K. T. Johnston has done it again. Jubilee: The First Therapy Horse and an Olympic Dream is a powerful, moving, and inspiring must-read new picture book. Lis Hartel was a dressage champion until she became paralyzed after contracting polio in 1944. This is the story of how she fought her way back up to not only standing but riding and training unlikely Olympic candidate Jubilee to the point the pair earned silver Olympic medals -- twice. Filled with heart, warmth, and determination, this brand new picture book is sure to inspire young readers everywhere.
January 28, 2022
A wonderful true story about overcoming insurmountable obstacles and holding onto your dreams. Lis Hartel is not a name that most people know and it is inspiring to read how she went from a competitive dressage athlete, to an invalid stricken with polo and given the prognosis of permanent paralysis, to a difficult journey to get back on a horse and eventually back into the competitive riding world stage. The threads of determination, grit, special needs, disability and severe illness are important lessons for young children to read about and would be an important addition to any classroom or library. Highly recommend. #ReadYourWorld2022
December 22, 2021
Jubilee is a really sweet picture book biography about a woman, Lis Hartel, whose recovery from polio was aided by an unlikely horse, and how she and the horse went on to earn two silver medals in the Olympics. She was the first woman to stand next to men on an Olympic podium, the first civilian to medal in a horse event in the Olympics, and Jubilee was the first therapy horse. It's a delightful and sweet story about the bonds between humans and animals, and about being an early icon of disabled athletes. Recommended, especially for fans of horses and athletes.
February 4, 2022
I am always delighted to find another picturebook biography to read to my little girl, and she is thrilled when I share these finds with her. The story of Lis Hartel is inspiring. I very much enjoyed reading about how she taught herself and a horse to perform in dressage events again after becoming disabled with polio, and the way she used her experience later to help other disabled people. This is a lovely book, with beautiful illustrations.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
February 27, 2022
This is an excellent short read for young people. Liz Hartnell was the first female rider to win a dressage medal in the Olympics. A young woman and horse lover with her whole life ahead of her is stricken by polio, and bravely teaches herself to move again. To get around, she decides to ride and is given a calm young mare. This mare Jubilee adapted extremely well to a lighter riding style. Liz taught her dressage and the barest shift of movement in her back was enough of an aid. Even though Jubilee wasn't initially a dressage type of horse, she became one from the constant training and the two triumphed.
The story remarks on the series of firsts - first time women were competing in the Olympic event and so on - which makes us think about this aspect of history. And the first centres to teach riding for disabled people are mentioned at the end. I'm delighted to have read the tale. The artwork is simple and clear, enhancing and explaining events.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
The story remarks on the series of firsts - first time women were competing in the Olympic event and so on - which makes us think about this aspect of history. And the first centres to teach riding for disabled people are mentioned at the end. I'm delighted to have read the tale. The artwork is simple and clear, enhancing and explaining events.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
March 10, 2022
I was thoroughly engaged every word of the way by this nonfiction picture book about a Danish girl who, even after contracting polio and losing the use of her legs, went on to become an Olympic champion in the sport of dressage. There is a lot to learn here (before this, I didn't even know what dressage was), and most of all, a lot to be inspired by. Lis's persistence, and her involvement in what was up till then a men's only sport in the Olympics, is truly uplifting. A good pick for readers of all ages!
October 14, 2022
I think I like horse books almost as much as dog books! Always love biographies about women, especially if they have an animal connection. Fascinating look at the post polio recovery dressage team of Lis and Jubilee and their Olympics career. Author’s note focuses on the therapy horse aspect. There is one photo of Lis and Jubilee, I’d love to see more; just look at the discover more section with a YouTube link. The cover illustration is very good, but the rest of the illustrations are inconsistent.
October 25, 2022
The story of Jubilee and her rider, Lis, who overcame disability from Polio to ride in dressage competitions again, eventually leading the two of them to Olympic fame.
I felt the book has real power for its focus on Lis and her fortitude, so the title giving distinction to the horse feels a bit disconnected for me. The writing and illustration are fine, but perhaps not as inspiring as the biographical details themselves.
Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
I felt the book has real power for its focus on Lis and her fortitude, so the title giving distinction to the horse feels a bit disconnected for me. The writing and illustration are fine, but perhaps not as inspiring as the biographical details themselves.
Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
September 18, 2021
There’s plenty of information about Lis Hartel, yet her story went unnoticed until the author happened upon it. The book is for all the kids and adults who love horses.
It is more than just about a very special horse Jubilee, it’s about persistence and endurance. It’s about the relationship between horse and rider.
Loved the questions at the end. Really gets you thinking. Great touch to a heartfelt story.
It is more than just about a very special horse Jubilee, it’s about persistence and endurance. It’s about the relationship between horse and rider.
Loved the questions at the end. Really gets you thinking. Great touch to a heartfelt story.
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