 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Black Beauty
- By Anna Sewell
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Common Sense Media says
A heart-wrenching, beautiful, educational classic.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the writing is elegant and the story a page-turner. But if animals or Victoriana are not your child's interest, it may not please.
What's the story?
Heartwrenching, beautiful and educational, this morality tale and animal autobiography gives a majestic horse a voice that is believable and unsentimental. An animal rights classic that is also a great read, BLACK BEAUTY follows the life of an ebony horse from birth to old age, from pasture to cobblestone streets of 19th century England.
Is it any good?
The first full-length book told from a horse's viewpoint, BLACK BEAUTY is a heartbreaking tale of the cruelties, both malicious and inadvertent, that animals suffer at the hands of humans. It's also a book of sensuous writing which can take the reader from the beauty of a spring country evening to the coal-coated world of Victorian London. Anna Sewell was a devout Quaker, and there is a spare Quaker ethic running through the novel, encouraging the value of hard work without complaint, as well as a humble countenance.
This book eventually influenced the abolition of the cruel bearing rein, kicked off the animal-rights movement, and forced more humane treatment of London's human cabbies. While the book is beloved by animal-loving children around the world, some readers may find the gentle sermons, as well as Beauty's loyal attitude to even the most cruel human, out of date. But most kids will feel like one 10-year-old, who whispered, "I learned what it feels like to be an animal ... and I cried."
What families can talk about
Families can talk about treatment of animals. How has the treatment of horses changed since this book was written?
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AGE
I couldn't put it down!
I was fully expecting to hate this novel, but I found that I couldn't put it down. For some reason, the thoughts of a horse captivated me and I was totally engrossed in the story. It really teaches a lesson about animal cruelty and everyone should at least give it a try. Even if you don't think you'll like it, you may be surprised.
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Kid, 10 years old
February 12, 2011
AGE
love it
this is a sad book but it gets better threw the book i want to read it again and again and again
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AGE
Black Beauty is an extremely cleverly written book. I am eleven years old and I enjoyed the book thouroughly. There are some trajic parts of the story and there are some bad role models (people who ill use horses and another who is too drunk to ensure his and the horses own safety.) and a few deaths. However this book has tought me alot and really opened my eyes to animal rights.
Words to describe this book:
FANTASTIC!
HEART WARMING
SAD
HAPPY
EDUCATIONAL
PAGE TURNER
SWEET
CLEVER
Anna Sewell (the author) used all of her knowledge of horses and their treatmeant and thier lifes. She has good description or food, sttables, riding equiptment and this story is just timeless! :D
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AGE
i loved it!
it was the best book i have ever read!
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Kid, 9 years old
October 1, 2011
AGE
book review of black beauty by anna sewell
Boring but good enjoyable but sad good language but not the latest
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AGE
Perfect for everyone over 10
I loved it. I love horses, and i hate how mean people are to horses. Sometimes, i sit in a corner and think about all that i can do to help these horses. This is a good book, and i feel that everyone should read this book
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Kid, 12 years old
May 25, 2010
AGE
Love it best book ever even my teacher said so.
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| Author: | Anna Sewell |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Literary Fiction |
| Publisher: | Penguin Group |
| Publication date: | December 31, 1969 |
| Number of pages: | 275 |
| Hardcover price: | $6.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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