The Black Stallion's Filly
#8 of 20 in Young black stallion Series
What’s inside...
Shell never be a racehorse, murmurs the crowd as Black Minx is led into the sales ring. But Alec Ramsay thinks differently and buys the Blacks first filly to train her for the Kentucky Derby. However, Black Minx, like her sire, has a mind of her own. This fast-paced racing story follows a great horse's journey through training and preliminary races to the opening gate at America's most famous racetrack: Churchill Downs. Black Minx has the strength and stamina to win the most famous horse race in the world, but she doesn’t seem to like racing. So strongly does she resist training that Alec Ramsay and Henry Dailey have to trick her into running! But Black Minx has a few tricks of her own. In 1952, Walter Farley created Black Minx, the first daughter of the famous Black Stallion. At the time, only one filly had ever won the Kentucky Derby in its seventy-seven-year history. In this classic racing story, Black Minx just might be up to the challenge.
Discussion points
How do you think the filly felt when she faced challenges? Can you relate to those feelings in any of your experiences?
What do you think makes the filly a strong character? What can we learn from her?
How is perseverance shown in the story? Can you think of a time when you persevered in something?
What role do the other characters play in the filly's journey? How do friends and supporters help us in real life?
How does the setting influence the story? What if the story was set in a different place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating personal experiences when similar emotions or events arise.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and resilience, which are portrayed by the filly, to instill these values in your child.
Point out the significance of support systems as depicted by other characters in the book, and relate it to your child’s own support system of family and friends.
Let your child imagine alternate settings for the story and discuss how it might change the narrative or challenges faced by the filly.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Hard Work
Explanation: The story exemplifies how the protagonist demonstrates perseverance and hard work in training the filly, overcoming challenges and setbacks along the way.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through difficulties and striving to achieve their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Compassion and Empathy
Explanation: The narrative highlights the caring relationship between the protagonist and the filly, showing how treating others with kindness and understanding leads to trust and loyalty.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to extend empathy and kindness towards both animals and people, fostering positive interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of the filly requires a significant amount of responsibility from the protagonist, showcasing the duties involved in caring for another living being.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to taking care of their own pets, or helping with tasks around the home, learning that responsibility is crucial in nurturing and maintaining healthy environments.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist encounters various problems that require critical thinking and creativity to resolve.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think critically and creatively in their own lives, understanding that problems are part of life and can often be solved with thoughtful consideration.