A review by hthore
King of the Wind: The Story of the Godolphin Arabian by Marguerite Henry

4.0

The story of the Godolphin Arabians begins here. Sham is born under the new moon during Ramadan – a sign that he will be “strong and swift.” He bears the “wheat ear,” foretelling bad luck as well as a white spot on his heel, foretelling good luck. Right from the beginning, the horse faces conflict as his owner attempts to kill him. A mute slave boy, Agba decides to protect Sham and stay with him throughout his life. They are sent with five others across the Mediterranean to France, where their struggles begin. Sham proves to be a horse worthy if his own breed name. Henry does her research and incorporates true facts about the countries, people, and horses involved in this story. Young readers will fall in love with this classic about the origins of Arabians and Thoroughbreds. Recommended.