Editorial Review
No one thinks much of Black Gold because he is so small. But Jaydee sees something special in his eyes. He knows Black Gold would be great if
he was his rider! Finally, Jaydee gets his wish. And Black Gold grows strong and fast under his careful hands. Soon it would be time for the most important race in America. Did they really have what it takes to win? Black Gold's inspirational story proves that the power of love and dedication can make any dream come true.
Set against the thrilling and colorful world of Thoroughbred horses, Black Gold is the true story of this legendary horse and his determined young jockey.
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Customer Reviews
A real scrapper 
2008-08-15
It is difficult to really know how much of this story of a real horse is real, but I put that out of my mind and just enjoyed Marguerite Henry's writing style, and Wesley Dennis' pen-and-ink drawings. It begins with a mare named U-See-It and her breeding to Black Tomey to produce a black colt with a white marking on his forehead the Osage Indian woman named Black Gold, for the black gold of Oklahoma. A young boy named Jaydee who wants to be a jockey enters the picture and we watch both colt and child grow up, one to be a racehorse and one to be his jockey. So much fun to read, it makes me forget the sad ending, but you dwell on the determination and courage of Black Gold in his last race to help ease the pain. Young and old should enjoy this coming-of-age classic and thrill to the world of horse racing, and the love between a boy and his mount.
Measuring the Size of the Heart 
2007-06-10
Inspired by a true story, Marguerite Henry continues her literary tradition--showcasing a love of horse (and mule) flesh for young
adult readers. Unlike the homespun crises in MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE
this story takes readers into the harsh world of professional horse racing, with its stark risks and grim realities. Set in Okalahoma then in Kentucky in the 1920's this story relates the birth and racing career of a thoroughbred whose smaller stature causes him almost to be overlooked for serious training. Fortunately for horse and owner, Black Gold is loved by his young jockey, Jaydee--an Irish youth who recognizes the colt's potential and often argues with his adult trainer.
There is inevitable conflict over the horse's training and career
among the men who admire him--a struggle of wills, knowledge
and equine insight which result in Jadyee's psychological coming-of-age.
This YA weepie provides a realistic lens on various aspects of life around Track--culminating with a running of the historic Kentucky Derby itself. Horse and Youth must demonstrate that it's the size of the heart in each one, working as a team, which ultimately matters in a highly competitive world. Even adults are advised to keep a hanky handy as Henry's tale unfolds.
Excellent for kids and adults 
2006-03-21
This book is excellent. Anyone of any age will enjoy the book immensely. This is one of the few books that I cried while reading to my kids.
Great Horse Story 2005-12-29
It was great! I loved how it was Real and how U-See-It's colt (Black Gold) was able to get back in raceing, and how the trainer and the jockey kept their hearts up when there was bad time. It was a great book. I read it really carefully that how good it was! I recomend this book to everyone, even non- horselovers. Really read it, i mean it. P.S it was a ture story.
A kids review 2005-08-28
I felt very sad reading this book because all the story characters died. But I liked the book alot because Black Gold won a lot of races and you see it. My favorite part was when You See It had her colt Black Gold.
Black Gold Review 2005-05-17
No one thinks much of Black Gold because he is so small. But Jaydee sees something special in his eyes. He knows Black Gold would be great if
he was his rider! Finally, Jaydee gets his wish. And Black Gold grows strong and fast under his careful hands. Soon it would be time for the most important race in America. Did they really have what it takes to win? Black Gold's inspirational story proves that the power of love and dedication can make any dream come true.
Set against the thrilling and colorful world of Thoroughbred horses, Black Gold is the true story of this legendary horse and his determined young jockey.
Black Gold Review 2005-05-16
Black Gold is a wonderful book about a racing horce named U-See-It and her colt named Black Gold. This book takes place in Oklahoma in the Chickasha derbies. It also takes place in Kentucky in the Kentucky Derby and in the Idle Hour Farm. This all takes place in the early 1900's. One of the most important events in the story is when U-See-It and her trainer are banished from all races because her trainer refused to sell her at a claiming race. This all changes when U-See-It is sent to Idle Hour Farm to have her colt, Black Gold. Her colt was allowed to race since U-See-It could not.
Black Gold was a black colt with a white heart on his forehead. As the colt matured, he became a great race horse. His jockey, Jaydee Mooney, rode him and helped take care of him. One of the main conflicts in the book is that Black Gold is cut in the leg by another horse aned has trouble racing. In the end, his leg falls off in the middle of a race. As time goes on, Black Gold dies and is buried in the middle of a field in New Orleans.
Sprinting for the finish line! by Erin 2005-04-06
A magnificent book based on a true story. In this story, a young jockey named Jaydee desperately wants to ride Black Gold, a small thoroughbred horse. He finally gets his chance and makes his way with Black Gold to the championship race, the Kentucky Derby.
Before the race, Black Gold gets a deep crack in his hoof. Will Black Gold and Jaydee win or will they fail to finish?
Read this action filled story! I loved it!
"It was the Best!" 2004-04-20
Fantastic! I couldn't put the incredible book down, Black Gold! It was so exciting, and yet so sad, so I got my part in mixed emotions. It kept me hooked until the very end by telling me this enchanted, but true, story about a beautiful small black colt with a gigantic heart, his bold jockey, and his daring trainer. It's kind of like Sea Biscuit, except with an unexspected ending. This book will keep you hooked from the beginning to the end, and promises you a great memorable story to treasure for life!
An unforgettable story 2003-12-07
This is a tremendous story. I still remember it vividly after more than 20 years since I read it and look forward to reading it again. It was in inspiration to me as a child to strive to be the best I could be.
