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Justin Morgan Had A Horse
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. An unusual work-horse, raised in Vermont and known originally as ""Little Bub"", becomes the sire of a famous American breed and takes the name of his owner, Justin Morgan.
176 pages, Library Binding
First published January 1, 1945
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2644 people want to read
About the author
Marguerite Henry
124 books756 followersMarguerite Henry (April 13, 1902–November 26, 1997) was an American writer. The author of fifty-nine books based on true stories of horses and other animals, her work has captivated entire generations of children and young adults and won several Newbery Awards and Honors. Among the more famous of her works was Misty of Chincoteague, which was the basis for the 1961 movie Misty, and several sequel books.
"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.
Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterward, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, "Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX."
Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.
In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite's stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.
In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.
She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.
"It is exciting to me that no matter how much machinery replaces the horse, the work it can do is still measured in horsepower ... even in the new age. And although a riding horse often weighs half a ton and a big drafter a full ton, either can be led about by a piece of string if he has been wisely trained. This to me is a constant source of wonder and challenge." This quote was from an article about Henry published in the Washington Post on November 28, 1997, in response to a query about her drive to write about horses.
Marguerite Henry inspired children all over the world with her love of animals, especially horses. Author of over fifty children's stories, including the Misty of Chincoteague series, Henry's love of animals started during her childhood. Unfortunately, Henry was stricken with a rheumatic fever at the age of six, which kept her bedridden until the age of twelve. Born to Louis and Anna Breithaupt, the youngest of the five children, Henry was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Because of her illness, Henry wasn't allowed to go to school with other children because of her weak state and the fear of spreading the illness to others. While she was confined indoors, she discovered the joy of reading. Soon afterward, she also discovered a love for writing when her father, a publisher, presented her with a writing desk for Christmas. On the top of stacks of colored paper her father wrote, "Dear Last of the Mohicans: Not a penny for your thoughts, but a tablet. Merry Christmas! Pappa Louis XXXX."
Henry's first published work came at the age of eleven, a short story about a collie and a group of children, which she sold to a magazine for $12. Henry always wrote about animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, foxes, and even mules, but chiefly her stories focused on horses.
In 1923, she married Sidney Crocker Henry. During their sixty-four years of marriage they didn't have children, but instead had many pets that inspired some of Marguerite's stories. They lived in Wayne, Illinois.
In 1947, she published Misty of Chincoteague and it was an instant success. Later, this book—as well as Justin Morgan had a Horse and Brighty of the Grand Canyon—were made into movies.
She finished her last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, just before her death on November 26, 1997 at the age of 95.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
December 20, 2022
Horse-themed fiction and nonfiction, written primarily for young readers, was the staple literary output from the pen of prolific (with ultimately 59 books to her credit!) 20th-century American writer Marguerite Henry. While not especially deep, her works are well-written, and can also interest adults, especially those with a particular interest in and fondness for horses. That describes my wife; so we've previously read three of her other books together, as we just did this one (though I've only ever reviewed one of the others, the nonfiction Mustang: Wild Spirit of the West).
Here, Henry's subject is the "foundation sire" of what would become one of the earliest distinctively American breeds of horses, the Morgan horse (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_... ). This horse's name is given here as Lil' Bub, but was actually Figure, born in 1789 in West Springfield, Massachusetts (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure_... . He really was given as a payment of a debt to Vermont schoolmaster and music teacher/composer Justin Morgan (d. 1798); who seems to be depicted in fairly true-to-life fashion here. But despite the author's lengthy list of acknowledgements for help with her research, and her page and a half of listed works consulted (a number of which are just for general background of life in late 18th and early 19th century New England), she took considerable liberties with historical events and dates. Some events depicted here actually happened (though with some differences), but some definitely did not; and most importantly, young protagonist Joel Goss, who's apparently about 9-10 years old when he meets Lil' Bub and who becomes his trainer and lifelong friend, was invented out of whole cloth. (Figure was eventually owned by a Col. John Goss and later by his brother David; and one of Henry's informants, a Fannie S. Goss, is described as "granddaughter of Joel Goss." But a woman who gave information on family lore to a writer in ca. 1945 would hardly have been just two generations removed from Figure's time, so that Joel Goss would have been a descendant of John or David.) As historical fiction, this book's credentials for the "historical" part of that term are definitely on the low end of the spectrum; and as a fan of historical accuracy in this genre, I consider that a serious flaw.
At just 170 pages of text, this is a quick read (or would be if read more continuously than I was able to do). It's really an even quicker read than the page count implies, because it includes a large number of black-and-white illustrations by artist Wesley Dennis, who collaborated with Henry for the first time here and would go on to illustrate many more of her titles, over a 20-year period. (These drawings are apt and well done; they genuinely do enhance the text.) Going into the book, I expected a rather dull read, but the plot actually has a good deal of incident and dramatic tension, which held my interest. In fairness, I did enjoy it --but I appreciate it a lot less, and find it much less educational, than I did before I started to research the background.
Here, Henry's subject is the "foundation sire" of what would become one of the earliest distinctively American breeds of horses, the Morgan horse (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morgan_... ). This horse's name is given here as Lil' Bub, but was actually Figure, born in 1789 in West Springfield, Massachusetts (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure_... . He really was given as a payment of a debt to Vermont schoolmaster and music teacher/composer Justin Morgan (d. 1798); who seems to be depicted in fairly true-to-life fashion here. But despite the author's lengthy list of acknowledgements for help with her research, and her page and a half of listed works consulted (a number of which are just for general background of life in late 18th and early 19th century New England), she took considerable liberties with historical events and dates. Some events depicted here actually happened (though with some differences), but some definitely did not; and most importantly, young protagonist Joel Goss, who's apparently about 9-10 years old when he meets Lil' Bub and who becomes his trainer and lifelong friend, was invented out of whole cloth. (Figure was eventually owned by a Col. John Goss and later by his brother David; and one of Henry's informants, a Fannie S. Goss, is described as "granddaughter of Joel Goss." But a woman who gave information on family lore to a writer in ca. 1945 would hardly have been just two generations removed from Figure's time, so that Joel Goss would have been a descendant of John or David.) As historical fiction, this book's credentials for the "historical" part of that term are definitely on the low end of the spectrum; and as a fan of historical accuracy in this genre, I consider that a serious flaw.
At just 170 pages of text, this is a quick read (or would be if read more continuously than I was able to do). It's really an even quicker read than the page count implies, because it includes a large number of black-and-white illustrations by artist Wesley Dennis, who collaborated with Henry for the first time here and would go on to illustrate many more of her titles, over a 20-year period. (These drawings are apt and well done; they genuinely do enhance the text.) Going into the book, I expected a rather dull read, but the plot actually has a good deal of incident and dramatic tension, which held my interest. In fairness, I did enjoy it --but I appreciate it a lot less, and find it much less educational, than I did before I started to research the background.
May 12, 2020
Although I do indeed very much appreciate Marguerite Henry's Justin Morgan had a Horse as a story in and of itself (the sweet and loving connection between Joel and Little Bub which not only endures but grows stronger and stronger over the years, and that it is young Joel who first notices there is something extraordinary and truly special about Justin Morgan's little horse), and believe that the main message presented is necessary and of both historical and contemporary significance and value (namely that one should not judge a horse either by its perceived lack of a pedigree or by its stature, its physical appearance and size), I am actually also somewhat if not even majorly disappointed with this novel (even though Justin Morgan Had a Horse is considered a classic by many and won a Newbery Honour designation for the author).
For unlike Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague series or her brilliant and evocative King of the Wind, I actually never did manage to feel all that fully and personally involved in Justin Morgan had a Horse and in the antics and exploits of Little Bub (to the point of distraction, to the point of even skimming entire chapters that just did not seem all that personally interesting). Still recommended, but definitely not all that good a fit for me personally (and I guess perhaps that all the Americana and patriotism, although historical and thus of course even understandable, does not entirely, totally endear me to Justin Morgan had a Horse either, as I have never been at all into nationalism, finding it more often than not tedious, even at times politically and culturally distasteful, not to mention potentially if not inherently dangerous).
Now the version of Justin Morgan Had a Horse I have just read and reviewed (and also the one most commonly available and in current print) is the expanded 1954 edition, which would thus obviously NOT be the 1945 first edition of Justin Morgan had a Horse that won the 1946 Newbery Honour designation. And while I do wonder whether I might like the original first edition more (and often rather enjoy comparing and contrasting older and newer editions), our local library only has the expanded edition; and even ILL could not manage to locate the older unexpanded edition of Justin Morgan Had a Horse free of charge. And I do not at present really want to take the chance of trying to purchase a copy of the original 1945 Justin Morgan had a Horse novel online, as this could prove expensive, I already have far too many children's literature books inhabiting both my shelves and my floor, and I have in the past purchased used books online deemed so-called first editions only to find out that they were not first editions after all (so I will and gladly refrain for the time being, unless or until I am able locate a used and above all inexpensive version of the original 1945 Newbery Honour winning novel at one of the local used bookstores we sometimes frequent). Sure is a bit disappointing and misleading though, since this 1954 edition of Justin Morgan Had a Horse does not in any manner indicate that it has been expanded from the first edition and also clearly features the Newbery Honour designation on its cover (which at best, is only partially correct).
For unlike Marguerite Henry's Misty of Chincoteague series or her brilliant and evocative King of the Wind, I actually never did manage to feel all that fully and personally involved in Justin Morgan had a Horse and in the antics and exploits of Little Bub (to the point of distraction, to the point of even skimming entire chapters that just did not seem all that personally interesting). Still recommended, but definitely not all that good a fit for me personally (and I guess perhaps that all the Americana and patriotism, although historical and thus of course even understandable, does not entirely, totally endear me to Justin Morgan had a Horse either, as I have never been at all into nationalism, finding it more often than not tedious, even at times politically and culturally distasteful, not to mention potentially if not inherently dangerous).
Now the version of Justin Morgan Had a Horse I have just read and reviewed (and also the one most commonly available and in current print) is the expanded 1954 edition, which would thus obviously NOT be the 1945 first edition of Justin Morgan had a Horse that won the 1946 Newbery Honour designation. And while I do wonder whether I might like the original first edition more (and often rather enjoy comparing and contrasting older and newer editions), our local library only has the expanded edition; and even ILL could not manage to locate the older unexpanded edition of Justin Morgan Had a Horse free of charge. And I do not at present really want to take the chance of trying to purchase a copy of the original 1945 Justin Morgan had a Horse novel online, as this could prove expensive, I already have far too many children's literature books inhabiting both my shelves and my floor, and I have in the past purchased used books online deemed so-called first editions only to find out that they were not first editions after all (so I will and gladly refrain for the time being, unless or until I am able locate a used and above all inexpensive version of the original 1945 Newbery Honour winning novel at one of the local used bookstores we sometimes frequent). Sure is a bit disappointing and misleading though, since this 1954 edition of Justin Morgan Had a Horse does not in any manner indicate that it has been expanded from the first edition and also clearly features the Newbery Honour designation on its cover (which at best, is only partially correct).
February 7, 2019
I really loved this book!! It was so fun to read! :D
5 stars.
5 stars.
August 9, 2025
I just reread (?) the 1954 edition and it was *not* the book I remembered. So, maybe when I was a child I was fortunate enough to read the original 1945 edition, the one that is about 1/2 the length the more available one? Maybe I focused on what I saw as the strengths of the book, based on my enjoyment of other books by Henry & Dennis? I am going to try to find an original to compare the two for myself. I'd be willing to bet the older is better. Even the artwork of this newer book seems coarser, more hurried.
And the publisher lies! The back flap claims that 1947's *Misty* is Henry's first book for children, and still puts the (1946) silver sticker on the front cover of JMH!
And the publisher lies! The back flap claims that 1947's *Misty* is Henry's first book for children, and still puts the (1946) silver sticker on the front cover of JMH!
April 14, 2021
I hope I'm not the only person who can't read this book title without immediately thinking "E I E I O!" Anyway, this is another good horse story from Marguerite Henry, and I like the fact that it's set in New England and includes some historical details about the War of 1812. Henry is certainly skilled at writing about horses and knowledgeable about them, but she also isn't shy about portraying the love and attachment that people can have to their horses. I love the relationship between Joel and Little Bub, and how he does whatever he needs to to get his friend back in the end.
October 16, 2025
We just visited the University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm and had such an interesting tour there. We learned the fascinating history of the Morgan horse, which is Vermont’s state animal and was used by the US Cavalry. In the gift shop, they had this Marguerite Henry book and it brought back such wonderful memories of a few other I had read by her as a child like King of the Wind and Misty of Chincoteague. So I couldn’t resist reading this feel-good, lovely little story!
April 24, 2020
I LOVE this story! It almost made me cry at points! :) Such a great read, especially if you like horses! :D
August 26, 2021
Was just okay and kinda boring. Not for me.
Content: none
Content: none
February 28, 2017
Another Newberry Honor book by Marguerite Henry.
I'm not a horse person. But I'm quite taken by Henry's horse stories. One of the things that impresses me about Henry is that all her stories are based on true stories and the amount research she does to write them is tremendous. And it shows in the final product. The illustrations of Wesley Dennis add another level of enjoyment to her stories.
Here she relates the story of the the runty colt that grew up to become his own breed and the boy who believed and loved him. It starts in the mountains of Vermont and goes through the War of 1812. Exhilarating and suspenseful with lovable characters, this one turns out to be an endearing piece of historic Americana as President James Monroe makes an appearance in the finale of the book. And the journey of "Lil' Bub" turns out to be allegorical to the American experience. A true masterpiece of children's literature.
I missed this one when I was growing up, but it never really fit into my reading interests as a youngster. Reading it as 51 has been a revelation to say the least.
I'm not a horse person. But I'm quite taken by Henry's horse stories. One of the things that impresses me about Henry is that all her stories are based on true stories and the amount research she does to write them is tremendous. And it shows in the final product. The illustrations of Wesley Dennis add another level of enjoyment to her stories.
Here she relates the story of the the runty colt that grew up to become his own breed and the boy who believed and loved him. It starts in the mountains of Vermont and goes through the War of 1812. Exhilarating and suspenseful with lovable characters, this one turns out to be an endearing piece of historic Americana as President James Monroe makes an appearance in the finale of the book. And the journey of "Lil' Bub" turns out to be allegorical to the American experience. A true masterpiece of children's literature.
I missed this one when I was growing up, but it never really fit into my reading interests as a youngster. Reading it as 51 has been a revelation to say the least.
March 8, 2023
Written for ages 8-12, Justin Morgan Had a Horse is a delightful story regarding the first Morgan horse in existence. Schoolteacher Justin Morgan's favorite student was Joel Cross; and when Justin had to collect a debt from a friend he took Joel with him. The friend could only pay Justin by giving him one of his horses. But an orphaned colt named Little Bub would only go with the horse Justin bought. Could Joel train Little Bub and would Little Bub turn out to be something special? Discover the story behind the first Morgan Horse, its special qualities, and how the species got its name.
Marguerite Henry wrote this wonderful story in 1945, and the lovely black etching prints were done by Wesley Dennis. In 1946, it won a Newberry award. This book was an especially enjoyable children's story, and I intend to buy it for my animal loving grandson.
Marguerite Henry wrote this wonderful story in 1945, and the lovely black etching prints were done by Wesley Dennis. In 1946, it won a Newberry award. This book was an especially enjoyable children's story, and I intend to buy it for my animal loving grandson.
February 3, 2019
Review to follow.
March 31, 2024
I enjoyed cheering on the underdogs in this charming story. And it was fun to learn the history of the Morgan horse!
June 12, 2021
A childhood revisit. It was as good as I remembered.
July 16, 2014
I never was a horse crazy girl, but I loved Misty of Chincoteague even still. MISTY is Marguerite Henry's best known horse novel. When I stumbled over this one last month, looking for a good read aloud for my 7 and 9 year old sons, it was a no-brainer! With the high drama of horse, his boy and their nation coming of age, not to mention thrilling horseraces and backbreaking hard work complete with both heartache and happy endings, JUSTIN MORGAN did not disappoint! All that in 170 pages. JUSTIN MORGAN held the attention of both sons (and their mom and dad). It taught us all a thing or two about the makings of true greatness, too.
We finished the book the week of July 4th, so my patriotism was already kindled. Regardless, JUSTIN MORGAN will make you proud(er) to be an American. From the author's forward: "This is the story of a common, ordinary little horse who turned out to be the father or a famous family of American horses... Even in his own lifetime he became an American legend. He labored hard all day, and then at sundown, when he should have been fed and bedded down for the night, he took part in races and pulling bees...Today his descendants, known as Morgan horses, are renowned throughout the world. Yet nobody knows whether that first Morgan's parents were British or French or Dutch. And nobody really cares...He's just like us. He's American."
We finished the book the week of July 4th, so my patriotism was already kindled. Regardless, JUSTIN MORGAN will make you proud(er) to be an American. From the author's forward: "This is the story of a common, ordinary little horse who turned out to be the father or a famous family of American horses... Even in his own lifetime he became an American legend. He labored hard all day, and then at sundown, when he should have been fed and bedded down for the night, he took part in races and pulling bees...Today his descendants, known as Morgan horses, are renowned throughout the world. Yet nobody knows whether that first Morgan's parents were British or French or Dutch. And nobody really cares...He's just like us. He's American."
October 23, 2015
If you went to Vermont, back in the time of the late 1700s... you would meet Justin Morgan. He was a man who had a problem. It all started because a farmer owed Justin some money. The farmer couldn't pay the debt, so instead, he gave a horse. To some people, that would be a wonderful thing to receive, but Justin didn't need a horse. He needed money.
One might say, "Sell the horse"--but that's just the problem. No one wants to use their money on a small, (VERY small), scrawny animal, who is weak and cannot work like other horses. Since no one will buy poor Little Bub, Justin is indeed stuck with him.
See what can happen that turns this story upside-down when Justin Morgan's friend decides to help out. Why, even President Monroe takes notice!
This book tells a true story. I liked the book because while I was reading it, I knew that it actually happened. In fact, Little Bub's tale became an American legend. This is a delightful horse story, great for boys & girls to read (ages 9 and up).
One might say, "Sell the horse"--but that's just the problem. No one wants to use their money on a small, (VERY small), scrawny animal, who is weak and cannot work like other horses. Since no one will buy poor Little Bub, Justin is indeed stuck with him.
See what can happen that turns this story upside-down when Justin Morgan's friend decides to help out. Why, even President Monroe takes notice!
This book tells a true story. I liked the book because while I was reading it, I knew that it actually happened. In fact, Little Bub's tale became an American legend. This is a delightful horse story, great for boys & girls to read (ages 9 and up).
August 18, 2020
Read this aloud to Hope.
It’s a nice little horse story with a message about not judging worth from the outside.
I assumed that even though it is historical fiction, that it would stay pretty close to what is known of the true account. Unfortunately, it is as close to what is known, as a Disney movie is true to its book.
It’s a nice little horse story with a message about not judging worth from the outside.
I assumed that even though it is historical fiction, that it would stay pretty close to what is known of the true account. Unfortunately, it is as close to what is known, as a Disney movie is true to its book.
October 23, 2011
I suppose it probably isn't fair to give this book only 2 stars but... meh. Ashley is NOT an animal person and this book was boring as all get out...
August 9, 2016
I loved the story of one young man's devotion to both Justin Morgan and his remarkable horse.
March 11, 2025
This was a lovely allegory of the American experience. A colt that came from nowhere with no hope found himself believed in by a little boy, and he became the finest horse in New England. Following along with the colt and Joel as they work hard, make names for themselves, grow, learn, and do what needs to be done is a joy. The story awakens patriotism, and not a blind, raging patriotism. Indeed, it is a kind that grows from throwing body and soul into the land and its people, and loving it for what it is and can be.
This was based on a true story about a man named Justin Morgan and his horse, Figure, who became the founding stallion of the Morgan breed.
This was based on a true story about a man named Justin Morgan and his horse, Figure, who became the founding stallion of the Morgan breed.
October 13, 2023
This is just a fun little read celebrating the origin and virtues of the Morgan breed. If I had to offer a criticism, I'd say that for how much of the book we spend from Joel's perspective, we don't get to know him very well outside of his love for Bub.
February 22, 2020
christine over here suddenly remembering all her childhood horse books
October 18, 2021
Wow, even my kid thought this was a big let down! Very disconnected from the main Misty stories. And oddly boring!
Read
April 18, 2023A quick and easy read-aloud. Katie liked it.
December 12, 2023
This is so good. It is funny, sweet, and powerful. Marguerite Henry is such a good writer!
September 20, 2025
This was such an amazing book! It touched my heart and I want to read it again already! It felt like I actually knew the Morgan horse
November 27, 2025
This was a great read aloud, but I love the illustrations in Marguerite Henry's books, so I think I'll check out a copy for Cy to peruse.
October 1, 2022
This is a nice story. I didn’t realize that it would go well with historical study of the War of 1812. The Little House books talk of Almanzo’s team of Morgan horses, and how admired they were.
May 25, 2022
3.7
This is historical fiction, and it does introduce the time and the place (as well as the origins of the Morgan horse), but it lacks the charm of Brighty.
This is historical fiction, and it does introduce the time and the place (as well as the origins of the Morgan horse), but it lacks the charm of Brighty.
October 17, 2021
This is once again, as mostly Disney books so far, one of the bunch.
It's really short, it's just a book about a horse and how he became a popular race horse even though he didn't see like it was a horse for that.
And again, the adptation is pretty fair (not a big fan though) perhaps I won't read it again, it just it didn't have something memorable and to be honest, there's a lot of patriotism, American patriotism, and you know how I feel about that.
So if you don't have literally nothing else to read and you want to check it out, you should give it a try.
It's really short, it's just a book about a horse and how he became a popular race horse even though he didn't see like it was a horse for that.
And again, the adptation is pretty fair (not a big fan though) perhaps I won't read it again, it just it didn't have something memorable and to be honest, there's a lot of patriotism, American patriotism, and you know how I feel about that.
So if you don't have literally nothing else to read and you want to check it out, you should give it a try.
July 2, 2022
A great look at an interesting part of early American history. My boys and I listened to the audiobook narrated by Patrick Lawler, and we enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews