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I'm not a big fan of horse stories ever since we read a Black Stallion book which proved too boring for belief (I know lots of folks love Black Stallion books, but they didn't work out for us). Okay, so why in the world did I decide to read another horse story to my children? Well, we've been studying the 1700's and the book takes place mostly in France in this same time frame when the reigning king was Louis XV. Since Louis XV was discussed in another book we're reading, George Washington's World, I figured that King of the Wind would be a great book to read concurrently.
King of the Wind is the story about the a young, mute horseboy named Agba who works for the sultan of Morocco. He travels to France with a gift for Louis XV. The gift is a horse named King of the Wind who is also known as Sham. Sham and Agba run into many adventures and find themselves living with many different owners and in many different situations.
I was a little disappointed that the Louis XV didn't play a larger part in the book. So, don't read this book if you're looking for a good historical novel about France and Louis XV. We were given a glimpse of life in Morocco; Ramadan was even touched upon. So, while the book was good, its historic value is minimal.
Yes, the horse was abused and even starved. Conflict always seems to be a part of good stories and mistreatment of Sham was a recurring theme. I feel that it was counterbalanced quite nicely by the love of Agba and the compassion of others, though.
Overall, King of the Wind is a good horse story. Agba was very loyal to Sham. He also performed the duties and responsibilities given to him by the sultan of Morocco to the best of his ability. It would be a good read aloud for children aged about 7 or 8 up to about 12. The reading level listed on the back of our copy of this book is grade 4. We found the story to be light, but satisfying. I'd recommend it as a good horse story.
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Cheaper by the Dozen
Iceberg Hermit
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
Old Yeller
Where the Red Fern Grows
Owls in the Family
A Lion to Guard Us
Serpent's Children
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
Read-alouds
We've Not Enjoyed:
Phantom Tollbooth
Black Stallion and Flame
King
of the Wind
on
Video