Born to Trot

by Marguerite Henry

First published 1993

Gibson lives for the thunder of hooves on the racetrack. He breathes harness racing, knows every move the trotters make, but everyone treats him like he's still a kid. They won't let him drive in actual competition. He spends his days working with the horses, watching from the sidelines while other drivers get the glory he craves. Then Rosalind arrives, a young filly with potential that others can't see. Gibson recognizes something special in her spirit and speed. This becomes his opportunity to prove himself as both trainer and driver. He pours everything into preparing Rosalind for competition, knowing that success with her could open doors to the career he wants. Their partnership builds toward the Hambletonian Stakes, the most prestigious trotting race in the sport. Gibson must overcome doubts about his age and experience while bringing out the best in his horse. The story follows their journey from training sessions to increasingly important races, testing whether Gibson truly possesses the skill and determination needed to compete at the highest level of harness racing.

Genres: fiction, animals, historical-fiction, 20th-century, sports, horses

Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, thought-provoking

Tropes: coming-of-age, underdog

Period: 20th-Century

224 pages · Paperback · Aladdin

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