The Black Stallion

This was one of my favorite books when a kid, and now that I'm thinking of a story aimed for that age range (8-12) as a writer, I thought I'd read it again. Very well written, very enjoyable. The author was quite a wordsmith (without overdoing it), and good at conveying images and emotions. A good story. I like it much better than the movie version.

I purchased this book for "read long" sessions with my Grandson. While his reading skills are still developing, he could not help but fall in love with the classic story of a boy and his horse. I read the book at 12, my son read it at 11, and now with this copy, my Grandson is learning the joy of Mr Farley's story telling. Three generations recommend this book!

As a girl growing up, I was a huge Black Stallion fan, reading all of Farley's books. I bought this for my 9 year-old grandson, telling him it was a favorite of mine. I re-read it to see if it was as good as I thought it was as a child--& it was! Still a great series for children!

I have seen that most of the reviews for this title are positive, but not all of them are so. To address some negative concerns, I say it is well to remember that the book was written a long time ago for an intended audience that consisted of children of yesteryear. It was always clearly a work of fiction. In such a world, authors often take creative liberties, and Farley was no exception. I found Farley's books in general, and this title in particular, to be quite entertaining when I was a child. I read my copy of The Black Stallion for the first time when I was six-years-old, and many times again in the years that followed. It was, and remains, a story well suited to entertain children. As such, I believe it merits the five stars I've given it. If you are considering purchasing this (or any) book for a child, please keep in mind that not all children are at the same reading level at the same age. While I read and understood this book easily in first grade, my school library had it reserved for sixth graders. This is a novel, and has no illustrations. It is not a picture book in any way. Whether a child likes or dislikes a book depends greatly on his or her ability to read at the level at which the book was written. And this book, while not written for adults, does require more than a rudimentary understanding of the written word. Please share this book with children, but be sure they are ready for it.

The Black Stallion was such a favorite of mine as a child that I ordered it for my 7 year old grandson. I thought it might be a little advanced for him, but he loved it! If he's anything like me he'll read it again and again. I was a horse loving little girl when I found this book in my school library, and it was like finding a treasure. I grew up to be a horse trainer, and my daughter did too. I don't know if our next generation will make a life with horses, but it is a wonderful horse story that appeals to boys as well as girls.

I started my love of reading with the Black Stallion in the third grade. So I bought this for our Little Free Library, so other children may discover the joys of the Black Stallion.

Classic story of a boy and his horse, a hundred times better than the movie.

A good read

Gave this to my 13 year old great grandson on his birthday. He liked it very much and said he wants to read other books in the series.

Delivery was quick. Used it for school & loved the book.

This was one of my favorite books when a kid, and now that I'm thinking of a story aimed for that age range (8-12) as a writer, I thought I'd read it again. Very well written, very enjoyable. The author was quite a wordsmith (without overdoing it), and good at conveying images and emotions. A good story. I like it much better than the movie version.

I purchased this book for "read long" sessions with my Grandson. While his reading skills are still developing, he could not help but fall in love with the classic story of a boy and his horse. I read the book at 12, my son read it at 11, and now with this copy, my Grandson is learning the joy of Mr Farley's story telling. Three generations recommend this book!

As a girl growing up, I was a huge Black Stallion fan, reading all of Farley's books. I bought this for my 9 year-old grandson, telling him it was a favorite of mine. I re-read it to see if it was as good as I thought it was as a child--& it was! Still a great series for children!

I have seen that most of the reviews for this title are positive, but not all of them are so. To address some negative concerns, I say it is well to remember that the book was written a long time ago for an intended audience that consisted of children of yesteryear. It was always clearly a work of fiction. In such a world, authors often take creative liberties, and Farley was no exception. I found Farley's books in general, and this title in particular, to be quite entertaining when I was a child. I read my copy of The Black Stallion for the first time when I was six-years-old, and many times again in the years that followed. It was, and remains, a story well suited to entertain children. As such, I believe it merits the five stars I've given it. If you are considering purchasing this (or any) book for a child, please keep in mind that not all children are at the same reading level at the same age. While I read and understood this book easily in first grade, my school library had it reserved for sixth graders. This is a novel, and has no illustrations. It is not a picture book in any way. Whether a child likes or dislikes a book depends greatly on his or her ability to read at the level at which the book was written. And this book, while not written for adults, does require more than a rudimentary understanding of the written word. Please share this book with children, but be sure they are ready for it.

The Black Stallion was such a favorite of mine as a child that I ordered it for my 7 year old grandson. I thought it might be a little advanced for him, but he loved it! If he's anything like me he'll read it again and again. I was a horse loving little girl when I found this book in my school library, and it was like finding a treasure. I grew up to be a horse trainer, and my daughter did too. I don't know if our next generation will make a life with horses, but it is a wonderful horse story that appeals to boys as well as girls.

I started my love of reading with the Black Stallion in the third grade. So I bought this for our Little Free Library, so other children may discover the joys of the Black Stallion.

Classic story of a boy and his horse, a hundred times better than the movie.

A good read

Gave this to my 13 year old great grandson on his birthday. He liked it very much and said he wants to read other books in the series.

Delivery was quick. Used it for school & loved the book.

If your son or daughter loves horses, they will love this book. You will hear the sound of hoofs on the racetrack and you will be breathless to know who wins.

Always a great book for kids.

I loved this book when I was in third grade: I must have read it a dozen times, easily. Devoured it, more like. I read it again as an adult, before giving it as a gift, and although as an adult I thought the writing was somewhat flat (sentence structure, noun and verb usage), I still loved the story and related to it. A classic.

Great book thank You

I read this when I was a boy, and I just gave a copy to my great grandson. Great story.

Great condition!

I read every Walter Farley book when I was growing up and thought this might be a book my grandson would enjoy. Gave it to him for Christmas and he did enjoy it very much and become interested in the other Walter Farley books as well.

Written in 1979, this story of a boy and wild stallion shipwrecked together is one for the ages. Their growing friendship and dependence on each other while waiting to be rescued is magical, and the account of the great horse race is a heart-stopper. For kids of ALL ages!

This is an old classic.

Exactly what I wanted. The book arrived in perfect condition. The book also arrived before the expected arrival date! My daughter loved it!

Excellent book for 9 year olds. Both my grandchildren read this book over the summer.

My 8 year old LOVE horses and she loves this book. Clean and pure reading for the young person.

I love all the Walter Farley books.

This series of books by Walter Farley has been my favorite since childhood. I think I have read they over 20 times. I've even read them as an adult and still enjoyed the stories.

This book is awesome! I just finished reading it last night and i can't wait to order another one!!!! I enjoyed the wrighting style very much, it reminds me a lot of the way i write my short stories. It is written from a childs imaginnative eye and is very encouraging to me to see something simular to my writings in print thank you Walter. You ROCK!!!

My mom bought the first and second one for my oldest daughter (almost 10) and she loves them. I am looking forward to hearing her read more as we move along in this series.

Always a great book

Great classic book for juniors. Bought this for a grandchild. So happy it was still available.

This is a great story for young and old alike. My 54 year old sister enjoyed it and now my 7 year old grandson is reading it. The story will please anyone that loves horses.

My favorite story when I was a child. I'm now reading this version to my 10-year-old son, and he loves it as much as I did. Timeless story for horse lovers and adventure seekers.

I LOVE HORSES SO I BUY BOOKS ABOUT THEM. THE BLACK STALLION COLLECTION IS SO INTERESTING YOU DON;T WANT TO PUT THEM DOWN,WHEN READING. LOVE THAT BLACK!!!!

I loved this as a girl, had to read it again just to see how it felt as a Grandma before passing it on to my grandchildren, and still loved it.

I read all of the Black Stallion books when I was a kid. They are really good adventure stories. Now I am buying them for my grandsons -- 6th grade and under.

Good book. Wonderful story.

Black stallion

Such a classic! Love this movie.

I read this when I was little, so I purchased it for my horse crazy granddaughters.

I have always loved this book, am going to collect the entire series for my granddaughter

A beautiful book, my friend and her grandson are reading it together, and they love it.

I love these books. I bought this book for my granddaughter.

Excellent book purchased for grandchild who enjoyed it very much!

my granddaughter loved the book. she read it in a very short time. so happy i purchased it for her.

Just loved this book

I read this when I was 10 years old and loved it. Got it for my granddaughter and she loves it too.

Granddaughters love the book.

My students loved this book! It is the only classic literature we read during the school year. The setting and adventures are constantly changing keeping students engaged and focused. Its one of our class favorites!

Great book for any young reader, I loved them as a kid

Great read for the kids

I love this series

Loved as a kid. Purchased for Niece who has recently started riding lessons.

One of my favorite books to share with my class.

Nice read for anyone who likes horses.

Bought for my then 9-year-old as I loved this story (being a horse fanatic) when I was a child. She loved it too.

Works perfect great gift, thank you.

Great story!!

Great!

Kids liked it.

A classic - Love it

As good as I remember when I was a kid. My 7 year old and I read it together then watched the movie.

My daughter enjoyed every chapter of the book

When I read as a child in the 4th grade I became hooked on horses.

I love this book and have an 8 & 10 year old that would love it as well. I was thrilled that it arrived so quickly.

Favorite childhood read!

I bought this book for my grandson. He has been enjoying adventure books but never one about a boy and a horse before. I loved this book as a child too. It is timeless!

I washed my daughter's copy when I washed her book bag so this was a replacement. Excellent service, shipping, and description.

Just what my mother asked for.

Great.

came fast, great

great video

Alec and a giant black stallion are shipwrecked on a small island. Slowly, the two become friends and the wild horse allows Alec to ride him. Once they get home, Alec’s neighbor encourages Alec to learn to race the Black. After a while, a reporter learns about the Black and Alec finds himself invited to race the two best horses in horseracing. The Black Stallion was a fine book, but I didn’t love it. It was just okay. There wasn’t anything wrong with the book. I was just not interested in the subject matter. It would be an excellent book for anyone who loves horses.

Understanding was this book was new. It is not. Very disappointed in a used book when I could have the new one at the same price... which I originally ordered.

I was happy with the majority of these books and felt that all but one was in good condition. Would have been better if they were all the same edition and in similar condition.

Remembered from my childhood; gotten for my grandsons. Do wish they had included the wonderful illustrations used in earlier editions.

I bought this for my oldest grandson and he hasn't read it yet, so don't know how he feels about it. When I read the series, I loved the books.

Like the book better than the movie.

My grandchildren didn't have anything to say about it one way or another. I liked it, tho.

This is such a great story. I bought the book and gave it to my 95-year old Dad and he read it in just a couple of days. He couldn't put it down!

I ordered the 75th anniversary edition and got a regular copy. Not too happy

Good entertainment!

my children loved it

eh...

Alec Ramsay is a young boy returning from visiting his uncle in India. While his steamship is stopped at an Arabian port, Alec witnesses the crew struggling to bring an untamed black horse aboard. Days later, after a terrible storm at sea, the ship goes down with the only survivors being the horse and Alec! Alec soon learns that his new horse is built for speed, but any dreams of the racetrack will have to wait until after they can be rescued! I enjoyed this book because it’s a story that’s half adventure and half sports. Also, even though the book was a contemporary novel when it was published in 1941, it reads more like a well-researched historical novel today. When Alec eventually gets rescued by a passing freighter, his parents send him a telegram with instructions to book a ticket on the next ship bound for New York. I thought that was hilarious, compared to the availability of instant messaging and jet travel that we take for granted nowadays! Even though this book is nearly seventy years old, it’s still just as exciting to read today. “The Black Stallion” is pure escapist fantasy about a boy and his horse, the two of them alone against the wild world. Whenever you mix together ocean travel, deserted islands, wild animals and athletic championships, that recipe is sure to be a success with boys who love to read!

Very disappointed the book depicted seems to be a beautifully illustrated book and it is described as a hardcover book but its a much smaller paperback

The Black Stallion is a wonderful story about a teenage boy's relationship with a wild Arabian stallion who rescues him from drowning after a shipwreck. The two are isolated on an island for many weeks and learn to respect and care for each other. Alec tames the Black with love, and rides him all over the island. The book progresses through their rescue and trip home, where Alec boards the Black with his neighbor Henry, a retired race horse trainer. Alec soon discovers that racing the Black professionally is not as easy a galloping wildly across the island, but he's determined to try, and with Henry's help, brings the Black to a stunning victory against the fastest horses in the country! It's a shame that Random House has let all but 4 books in this series go out of print. Also, a succession of cover illustration changes was not a good idea either. The original paperback illustrations by artist Ruth Sanderson were INCREDIBLE! I can remember reading the books when I was about 8, and drinking in the lavish, dangerous looking images of the Black and the other horses. The re-done illustrations are clumsy, and do not portray Walter Farley's legendary horses as he intended them, i.e. wild and dangerous! Perhaps someone at Random House will get a clue, and re-issue the entire series with the original covers! Please!

For a book written almost 70 years ago, this stands the test of time. I first read this book when I was seven years old, and loved it then. I just re-read it, thirty years later, and loved it again. The tension is powerful, the goodness of the boy and the power of the horse are palpable---and the writing is straightforward but not simplistic, perfect for all ages. This is a classic underdog-rises-above tale, and who can't love that? This book also gives a lovely window into a different, more gentle era (the 1930s?), where children can be children and they can have healthy, non-paranoid friendships with adults who are not their parents. Many times as I read the book I thought how the whole set-up of the book could not exist in today's world... One minor weakness: Alec's parents came across as rather wooden, and clueless. A bit one-dimensional. But a minor point in an overall excellent tale. If all goes well I'll read it again in thirty years---and enjoy it just as much.

[From my 9-year-old] **May have spoilers** I loved this book because when they were rescued the story wasn’t over at all. I love how Alec loves horses and was able to tame the Black and keep him under control. I hope the next books are the same greatness, and also, I love how in the first book, the Black became the champion. The Black Stallion is probably one of the greatest books I’ve ever read because, at first you would think after Alec and the Black were rescued, the story would be over. And there was an amazing ending. I think this book is great for anyone with a wild spirit and a love for animals

I'm putting together a kid's library, and decided to actually read or reread a lot of the "classics" I've picked up over the years. Some are pretty rough going, (have you tried to read "Last of the Mohicans" recently?), and some were very pleasant surprises, ("Robin Hood" and, get this, "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm"). "The Black Stallion" was one I approached with some trepidation. Some of these horse books can get a little cloying. Well, guess what, this is a rousing adventure story that just gallops along. Shipwrecks, island survival, exotic ports, horse racing, compelling characters, an admirable hero protagonist - it really is a classic in the best sense of that word.

As a horse lover from a very young age, this is one of those books that was read to me when I was little, which I later read on my own more than once, and of which I still have fond memories today. The first of Walter Farley's twenty-one books, written while the author was in high school and published in 1941, before he graduated from college, "The Black Stallion" has become a staple in children's literature. It tells the story of Alec Ramsay and his partnership with a remarkable horse, referred to only as the Black. While returning from a trip to India, Alec's ship is wrecked in a storm, leaving he and the Black as the only survivors, washed up on a small, deserted island. For nineteen days they must survive in that desolate place, and in this time a strong bond is formed between the boy and the wild Arab horse. Once Alec and the Black are rescued by a passing ship, the story takes a different turn. Back in New York, Alec asks a neighbor if he might stable the Black in the old barn on his property. As it turns out, Henry Dailey is a former racehorse trainer, and he immediately recognizes the Black's potential for speed. Thus, man and boy pair up in order to train the spirited horse, hoping to harness his energy and turn him into a competitive runner. At this time the racing world is all abuzz about an upcoming match race between two champion horses, each touted as the best racer in the country, but who have never run against each other. But when the Black shows more talent than Dailey would ever have thought possible, he begins to think that this wild, unpedigreed stallion just might have what it takes to beat them both... The story is a bit far-fetched and idealistic, but it nevertheless makes for one whopping adventure. Farley was an avid horseman and he puts his knowledge to good use here. His descriptions of the proud, fiery Black bring the wild horse magnificently to life before our eyes. The prose is simple and fast-paced, with one event leading rapidly into another, but it still maintains a richness and depth that allows the reader to develop a strong attachment to the main characters. You can really feel the bond between boy and horse, and you can't help but care about them. "The Black Stallion" is an absolute must-read for any young horse lover. The book has a timeless quality to it, and retains every bit of its magic even for modern readers. After penning "The Black Stallion," Farley went on to write twenty more horse stories, most centered around further adventures of Alec, the Black, and the characters that surround them (the exception being "Man O'War," which is an account of that famous racehorse's life). I have read every one of these additional books, some more than once, and would recommend them to anyone that has read and enjoyed this first book. I don't know of a single die-hard horse lover that hasn't read at least the first few books in the series, and many adult equestrians cite Farley's books as being what got them interested in horses to begin with. "The Black Stallion" was also turned into a decent movie starring child actor Kelly Reno in 1979. Fans of the book are advised to check it out, but I strongly recommend against skipping the book in favor of the movie. The movie is good, but it is not entirely true to the original story, and doesn't quite capture the full texture of Farley's creation. The book, as always, is the place to start. It is simply written, and so should be easy for elementary-aged readers to handle. For younger children, the book makes an excellent read-aloud story. It is reasonably short. As an adult reader, I am able to get through it in a couple of hours. One final word of advice: As another reviewer mentioned, if at all possible, try to look for an older copy, with cover art by Pamela Patrick. The art of John Rowe on this new edition's cover just doesn't quite capture the spirit of the original.

Anyone can pick up a copy of this book and enjoy it. "The Black Stallion" by Walter Farley will always be a part of children literature. Alec Ramsey is boarding a ship to London. While sailing the boat stops at an Arabian Port. A horse is boarded on ship. Soon after the ship is wrecked in a storm. The only survivors are Alec and the horse named the Black. They are stranded and build a great bond over a month. Alec and the Black stuck together. They get rescued by a ship and head to New York City where Alec is with his family. This book was really enjoyable.

I first read THE BLACK STALLION when I was 9 - and I became hooked and read several of the books that followed in the series. None held up to this first book - but they were consistent and I still have them. With the book first being published in 1941 - I wonder now how much of this story was influenced by the SeaBiscuit story? Anyway - this is one of those books that I remember wishing with all my heart and soul I could be Alec, alone on the island in the sun with that horse. Just riding. And having no other thoughts in the world. And sometimes, after a particularly bad week, this book is one of those that I scoop up to smooth my edges.

I have read many books, but no matter how many times I read this book, it always seems new. A classic story of boy and his horse, the book starts with Alec returning from a summer with his uncle in Africa. Alec, aboard a steamer bond to New York, watches a magnificent, wild stallion being loaded. During the long trip back, Alec tries to make friends with this beautiful horse. When the ship sinks, Alec is pulled by the black stallion to a small desert island. On the desert island, the boy and the wild horse learn to depend upon each other in order to survive. When Alec is rescued, he brings the "Black" to New York. Alec's neighbor, a retired race-horse trainer, recognizes the Black's true potential- as a racehorse. This book will hold you in suspense untill the end.

This book is spetacular!!! Its one of the greatest books I have read in years. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put the book down. It was about a young boy, named Alec, who finds himself and a black horse to be the only survivors of a shipwreck. Alec soon learns that he owe his life to this black horse whom saved his life, by dragging him to an island. They soon learn they must depend on each other in order to survive on the island, and because of Alec's love for horses, he learns how to become the horse's friend and he starts a type of speacial bond between the horse and himself. One of my reasons why I liked this book is, because it always gives me that feeling of whats going to happen next. Its just that the book is so full of excitment. Every time Alec rides the black horse, the author makes it seem that Alec is always risking his life. Every once in a while the author, Walter Farley, would write an event where it seems Alec could loss his life. Such as this, "A few minutes later Henry and Jake ran up to them, and Alec weakly climbed down from the saddle. Henry took the reins- they were sticky and wet with blood." Another reason why I liked this book is, it has just the right level of vocabulary. Sometimes when you choose a book and it turns out to be something a little too easy or a little too hard, that you can't understand what the book is really talking about. Such as this sentence, "The next day Alec set out to obtain more of the carragheen" or this sentence, "he remebered the deep gully that was there. My most favorite part of this book was, when Alec and the black horse gets rescued from the island they were stranded on, and when Alec finally gets to see his family for the first time in many months. The reason why I like this part is, it's full of happiness. Alec had never seen his family in about five months, and he thought that he was going to die on that island with the horse.

Ever since I read my first Walter Farley book 15 years ago, it's been my favorite serie. No other horse books equal it. Even today, I still pull out my old books and re-read them. I've read each one at least 10 times and have yet to get tired of them. I recommend this book to ALL horse and animal lovers. Everything feels so real that you get transported into the stories. You feel Alec's pain at his loss and then his joy a bit further on. The happiness with his triumphs and his disappointment when things don't come out as planned. Read this book, you won't ever regret it.

Classic to pass down to to your children and grandchildren. I loved this book when I was a child and couldn't wait to buy them for my own children. Now, they are going to my grandchildren. If you have a horse-mad child or just one who likes adventure, this is just wonderful. This is the first in the Black Stallion series and it still stands up, even though the New York farm neighborhoods outside the city are long gone. It's a nice taste of a time long gone -- full of adventures and excitement.

One of my favorite books of all time is Walter Farley's "The Black Stallion". This story mostly takes place in Flushing, NY, where our protagonist, Alec Ramsey, lives. While on his way home from India, young Alec meets a glorious wild stallion he calls "The Black". He befriends the horse. It saves his life during a shipwreck, and the pair end up on a remote island. They form a very close bond while surviving the elements together. They are rescued, and Alec claims the horse, knowing that its owner died in the shipwreck. His parents are very surprised, but allow him to keep The Black. Alec stables his horse next door. With the help of his neighbor, Henry Daily, Alec begins trainng his horse. The Black is wild and runs like the wind. Henry was once a jockey and then a trainer, so he knows a fast horse when he sees one. They take him to a nearby racetrack in the dead of night, so as to get an accurate read on his supreme speed. They spend many long nights training The Black. Alec and Henry decide to race The Black against the two fastest horses of the day. It takes much work to get him a spot in the race, but they are up to it. Alec is able to convince his parents to allow him to race his horse. In the end, The Black beats both champions, despite numerous disadvantages. I think everybody should read this book. It is an adventurous tale that both entertains and encourages you to follow your dreams. I am a huge Walter Farley fan, and I continue to reread his books to this day. I hope that you enjoy this book as much as I have.

Strange in a way that I loved this book so much when I read it in fourth grade, because, ironically, in real life, horses kind of scare me. I think Walter Farley's book is magical and I hope others who read it find as much meaning as I did in the story of a boy named Alec Ramsey, who survives a shipwreck and befriends a magnificent black Arabian stallion. Yes, this enduring classic is basically a fantasy, but sometimes it takes fantasy to create a book that is capable of touching the human soul in the exact way this one does.

I did not have the privelige of reading 'The Black Stallion' til I was about 10. Even then, the genious vivid pictures you get from the discriptions from this book are breathtaking. A classic children's book that's been around since 1941, this entertaing story should take the horse-loving child to a new place of imagination exploration. Since then I have read numerous other works of Mr. Farley, all as brilliant as this. Farley was a master story teller. This fact shines through in the cherished pieces of literature he left behind.

I'm a read aloud Mom with a family of boys. We liked this book so much better than the school-accepted survival story, "Hatchet." This book is gently told and a pleasure to read out loud. The survival section is about 1/3 the book, and the remainder is the civilization/adjustment/horse training section. My edition has 10 black on white drawings by Keith Ward and a nice hardcover. This book is great for 10-year-old boys.

This is a story about a boy named Alec who first sees a savage, yet beautiful horse led onto his ship. Alec secretly befriends him. Then there is a terrible storm and the ship is sinking.Alec lets the Black go and he plunges into the sea with Alec. A day later They have reached land but for the better or worse? Alec and The Black are finally rescued and Alec joins forces with an ex trainer named Henry Dailey. They plan to make Black a famous race horse but will the Black Stallion ever be truly tamed? This was a beautifully well written story full of adventure and heart. If you don't try it then you will really be missing out.

You just can't go wrong with this one. It stirs up those deep longings for adventure in all of us. It's a marvelous classic. From kindergarteners on up, it works for everyone. It'll capture your imagination and you'll be caught up in the story before you know what happened. There's nothing offensive. No boring parts. It will inspire a passion for reading (and quite possibly horses!) in any child that voluntarily reads this gem of a book. I love books and this is the one that started it all.

This review originally appeared at [...] as part of the Reading Challenge 2016. So I feel like I may be cheating a little bit by reading this book for my #vtReadingChallenge of a first time author. But I read several books by modern first time authors last year and, as a whole, wasn't particularly thrilled. I figured, hey, every author that got its start had their first book which was when they were a first-time author ... soooo if I read that book then it counts. So, sue me if you disagree. I love horses, and I've vaguely known the story of the Black Stallion for, um, ever it seems. I've even read some of the other books in this prolific series, but I wasn't sure I had ever read the book that started it all. So I did. The beginning of the book was distracting to read because of the tense, but somewhere in those first couple chapters it started flowing well, and I didn't look back. It's a well told story of an untamed stallion and a boy who form a strong friendship when they are forced to depend on each other to survive. Now, that all happens fairly early on. Once they are back at Alec's (the boy's) home, they settle in to a new normal together. I liked the can-do attitude and the message that you can live a dream and do well in school simultaneously if you are disciplined. The awe of the stallion is well communicated, but I could be biased in that way since I've had a lifelong love of horses. I don't like that Alec is sneaking off in the middle of the night and hiding things from his parents. Sure he eventually told his father what was up, but he should've let them know from the get-go. Still, it's an enjoyable read and one children will also like. The only other Stallion book I know for sure I have read is The Black Stallion, Challenged! and it had some similar features to this book. Now, it is the book we are introduced to Fury in, so that may be of necessity. I'd have to read a couple others before I determine if all 20 books are really just the same story retold, or if they add to the story. Book 1, though, get 4 stars. Bonus! The only female in the work is his mother. As a woman, I am 100% ok with this. I'm tired of people adding in a love interest so there is a female character, or to try and bring in female readers or whatever. Just give me a good story. If you do that, I don't care if your cast is all one gender or not. So, thank you, Mr. Farley, for that.

Arthur Sams Linda Turner The Black Stallion by Walter Farley Brief Summary and Review The Black Stallion is the first in a series of stallion novels written by Walter Farley. The story is about a seventeen-year old boy who is shipwrecked on a deserted island with a wild black Arabian stallion. The boy and the stallion become dependent on each other for survival and soon learn to trust each other and form a lasting friendship. The boy and stallion are rescued from the island by a freighter. The boy returns to New York with the black stallion and trains him at night to race. The boy and the black stallion enter into a race against the two fastest horses known at that time and wins. Even though this book was first written in 1941 I found it to be moving and exciting. This book is so well written that it will be read and enjoyed by many generations to come. The friendship and bond formed between the boy and the stallion is a clear example of understanding and trust. The determination of the boy and stallion to overcome all odds shows that if you are determine to succeed you will.

Book is great. My kids hang on every word. Amazon- not so great. I ordered a hard cover and got a paperback. I let Amazon know and they replaced it with another paperback. Again, I let Amazon know and they suggested that I give it up and send it back for a refund or a small discount if I wanted to keep it. I figured Amazon needed the money more than me and decided not to get my discount. My kids and I are continuing to read our paperback.

It's a very good book and pretty realistic about how Alec got the Black. You can always reach a horse by its stomach. Mr. Farley did a very good job in capturing his characters and, thankfully, made them real people! And can you believe it - they have problems! So many books have the main characters as "the perfect people," so I'm so glad that Mr. Farley made them real people. It's all about a boy by the name of Alec Ramsay who gets shipwrecked and stranded on an island with a big black horse. Alec finds food for the Black and gentles him. He finally gets back to the U.S. and races the Black. There is nothing inappropriate in this book like in "The Black Stallion Returns." It's a must for anybody. Great job Mr. Farley!

This was the first horse book I read when I was perhaps 8 or 9 years old. I then went on to read all of the books by the author that I could find, including his island stallion books. It's an uplifting, exciting story that is appropriate for kids. There are a few tense moments, but that only makes the story more exciting.

This first book by Walter Farley has been in print for 62 years. That is a pretty good indication it's good readin'. If you like horses and you haven't read this book, I would recommend spending the extra money on the edition with library binding. You are likely to wear out a paperback copy (I did) and I can guarantee you will want to keep this book in your personal library.

The first book in a series of truly great horse stories. This magical black stallion captures the heart of everyone and simply draws you in for the adventures of him and his offspring in the many books that follow. Walter Farley blessed us truly with The Black Stallion. Thank You

I just bout this for my 9 year old daughter as mine is I'm proud to say a 1941 1st addition signed by Mr. Farley himself! And way to precious and delicate to be read now. It's a timeless story my favorite as a child, I must have read that book a hundred times before I was 15. And yes, I too wanted a black stallion but never got one of course, realizing as a adult he would only live in my dreams.

Not enough stars can be given to this book. Any boy, girl or adult who loves horses needs to read this short book. It should be considered a " horse classic." For a book that is not very long it is full of excitement and portrays the horse world.

I loved all the Black Stallion books as a child growing up. I think they fueled my love of horses that survives to this day. I can not wait to share these books with my great-niece. I hope to give her a love for horses starting with these books !!!

I had all Walter Farley's books read to me and I'm luck to still have the originals! The black stallion was my favorite and I read it to my boys when they were young and they loved it.

I read this book almost twenty years ago as an eight year-old, and the image of the Black has never left my mind since. After that I was obssessed with the Black and I read every book. I will continue to follow the adventures of the Black and Alec, and I highly recommend this book (and the rest of the series) to all children and people alike who like or even dislike horses. An unbreakable bond, trust, teamwork, love, and friendship are just some of the solid themes Farley has incorporated into this series. The movies are also wonderful. A must for all!

the black stallion is about a boy named alec and a horse called the black. as alec is riding home he comes across his first storm at sea. it was exciting and fun, but not for long! The Drake starts to sink and people are being loaded in life boats. alec rescues the black stallion aboard the ship. the black knocks him off the boat and into the icy cold waters!!! alec ties the lead rope to his waist, and the next morning they are at a deserted island and the only survivers!!!!! How will he find food? can he tame the stallion who saved his life? if he does will he be able to keep him? will he even get on a ship home? if he does will it sink too? will he be as lucky? if he does make it home and can keep the black where will he keep him? will the black be tamed? find out in THE BLACK STALLION.

Walter Farley takes readers on a literary whirlwind in this exciting story of a boy and his horse in the mid Forties. HIS, not by legal possession, but rather an ownership born of mutual cooperation for survival. Washed overboard from a tramp steamer near the Mediterranean, Alec Ramsay (12-14) was saved from drowning by clinging to a rope around the neck of a mighty black stallion, who was also plunged into the sea. Long weeks spent on a tiny island forged a loyal and lasting bond between the sunburned boy and the wild animal--who was never intended for corrals and civilization. With patience, perseverance and respectful love Alec gradually tamed the suspicious animal, who ultimately permitted him to ride bareback. Finally rescued they reached Rio and then were shipped back to New York city, but Alex had been given a vision of the Black's future: he wanted to race the magnificent animal on a real racetrack, to share the glory of his Arabian heritage. Countless obstacles were thrown in his way including parental reluctance, lack of money and time and the Black's own fighting spirit. But the greatest hurdle would prove the lack of papers documenting his lineage. Besides the Black had to be king of the herd and would always prove too wild to race with dignified, high-toned thoroughbreds. Can an old jockey and an untried boy pull off the biggest racing coup in US history? This is great fare for horse lovers!

This will forever be my favorite horse story in all the world. It sparked my love for horses and inspired my own desire to write horse adventures.

originally published in 1941, It was still pretty new in my local library when I read it at about age 8. Read it again about 40 years later when thinking to buy it for my two daughters. Now some 70 years later, planning to buy it for a granddaughter and grandson. Current reader comments tell me it is still much loved and a favorite read.

This book got me hooked on the black stallion series! A boy, Alec Ramsey is on his way back from visiting his uncle in another country. The boat makes a suprise stop in Arabia. There, a wild, black stallion is boarded on The Drake. The boat gets caught in one of the worst storms of the century! The boat goes down. Alec and the stallion are shipwrecked on a lifeless, deserted island! Will Alec and the stallion get rescued? Will the wild stallion tear Alec to shreads? Will they survive? To find out read the book!

The Black Stallion is a great classic for all kids! The story tells about how Alec(one of the main people) trys to make friends with the stallion and once they're on the island they work together to survive, but that's all I'm going to say. I don't want to give the whole story away! every child will love this book!

I love this book one of my favorites

I returned this book. We needed Black Beauty.

A great classic

I read this book when I was in the fourth grade. I went on to read the entire series of Walter Farley books. Walter Farley's way of keeping an intriguing book at a child's level was simply amazing. It was nice to have something that I could continue to read and understand at such an early age. This book made me the avid reader that I am today.

Great book, came in perfect condition

"The Black Stallion" has become a staple in children's literature. It tells the story of Alec Ramsay and his partnership with a remarkable horse, referred to only as the Black. While returning from a trip to India, Alec's ship is wrecked in a storm, leaving he and the Black as the only survivors, washed up on a small, deserted island. For nineteen days they must survive in that desolate place, and in this time a strong bond is formed between the boy and the wild Arab horse. Once Alec and the Black are rescued by a passing ship, the story takes a different turn. Back in New York, Alec asks a neighbor if he might stable the Black in the old barn on his property. As it turns out, Henry Dailey is a former racehorse trainer, and he immediately recognizes the Black's potential for speed. Thus, man and boy pair up in order to train the spirited horse, hoping to harness his energy and turn him into a competitive runner.

The Black Stallion Random House, 1941, 196 pp., $17.00 Walter Farley ISBN: 0-679-81349-7 How would you feel if you were the only one to survive a boat wreck? What if you had to live on a stranded island with no vegetation or wild life; just a small pond and an untamed horse. Thirteen-year-old Alec Ramsey is on boat back to his home-land, New York City, to see his parents. But his plan changes when his boat wrecks. He is forced to live on a deserted island with a wild Arabian stallion. He comes to love and gain the horse's trust and they become friends. He comes to call the horse The Black. As their trust blooms, he gets to ride The Black. When he does he is nearly thrown off due to how fast The Black can run. Will they be saved? And if they are will he get to race The Black. The Black Stallion is exciting, and thrilling. It was hard for me to even put the book down. I believe if you love horses that you will not be able to put the book down either. I would suggest the book to ages 8 to 12. Remember if you like this book a lot there are plenty of books that Walter Farley has written.

It was a great book

The Black Stallion is defently one of the best books I've ever read. Walter Farley is the most discriptive and interesting author I've ever read about! Now, i'm on a long search for the rest of the series. The Island Stallion is also a wonderful book by him!

It's a classic. I bought it for my grandson.

Ang ganda ng librong ito. Ganda ng pagkakasulat. Ganda ng kwento.Daming tips sa pangangalaga ng kabayo. Daming aral na matutunan.

Everything about this story is "larger than life" - the shipwreck, the rescue, and the race at the end. It's a bit of a fantasy, but somehow it doesn't seem to matter... if anything, it only heightens the experience. Farley has a easy, pleasant writing style that will draw you in and never let go. Two thumbs up!

It was a great book. Everybody should read it. It was an amazing story with very real characters.It and the rest of the series roxxxxxx.

The books about the black stallion were my favorites as a child. Compared to today's complicated stories about society, these are very much from a different era. Still, Walter Farley's books draw students in and make them want to read more. I am happy to share them with my children.

This was the best book EVER and thats pretty hard to say since I read alot of horse books.I LOVED IT!!!

A boy and his horse. In something of a change of pace, a horse book that may just be slightly more directed at boys than girls, although the plot stays fairly similar. Boy helps out horse in island shipwreck situation. Horse returns the favour. Horse of course is an impressive specimen and can do the fast running thing quite nicely. So, off to the races then go.

I greatly enjoyed this book when I was younger, and I still like it. However, in recent years I have come to realize how prejudicially obsessed Walter Farley was about Arabians. Even in his book The Great Dane Thor, the horses only briefly mentioned in the book were Arabians. He didn't seem to realize that there were other breeds in the world. For instance, he had the Black's daughter, Black Minx run in the Kentucky Derby--a race exclusively limited to Thoroughbreds. In recent years, I have also realized Farley's poor writing stile. Not only did he not do research, but he presented his views as FACT, not opinions. For instance, ALL horses are intelligent, but especially ARABIANs; ALL horses are more sensitive than people and can find water by smell in a desert...or land in an ocean. Among horses, Farley stated on no uncertain terms that Arabians are by far the most superior, and that among Arabians, The Black was king. I don't know about you, but I'm kind of tired of that. I'd like to see the Black lose a race or two, or sire a dud colt. The Island Stallion was the same--in fact, when the Black met Flame, the fight between them was a draw because they were both FLAWLESS Arabians, so perfect that neither could beat the other. It was a satisfying end when I was little, but now it annoys the fire out of me. I have read most of the series, and it is always the same: The Almighty Arabian wins out over man, nature, or other horses...and here is one once-avid reader who is sick of it.