First published 1991
Sham arrives in the world as a golden red colt in the Sultan of Morocco's stone stables. The white mark on his heel promises speed, but the mark on his chest signals misfortune. Despite running swift as desert winds, this purebred stallion meets only contempt from the masters who own him. His loyal companion Agba, a stable boy, stays by his side through their long journey. Together they travel from Sahara sands to the grand courts of France, then onward to England's rolling pastures and great estates. Cruel owners dismiss Sham's noble bloodline at every turn. Yet this scorned horse carries within him something extraordinary. Sham will become the legendary Godolphin Arabian, the stallion whose descendants will define Thoroughbred racing. The bond between the misunderstood horse and the devoted boy who believes in him drives this tale of persistence against rejection.
Genres: animals, historical-fiction, 20th-century, adventure, 19th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, fast-paced
Tropes: found-family, underdog
Setting: Sahara, France, England
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century
176 pages · Paperback · Aladdin