Grand Theft Horse is a 2018 graphic novel written by Greg Neri and illustrated by Corban Wilkin. The book is published by Lee & Low and is a biography of the horse trainer, Gail Ruffu.
 | |
| Author | G. Neri |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Corban Wilkin |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Lee & Low Books |
Publication date | September 25, 2018 |
| Media type | |
| ISBN | 9781620148556 |
About
editGrand Theft Horse tells the story of the life of Gail Ruffu and especially chronicles the events surrounding the theft or rescue of the racehorse, Urgent Envoy.[1] Ruffu was worried that Urgent Envoy would be killed if he was raced again.[2] She decided to take him away on Christmas Eve.[2] The author, Greg Neri, focuses on the drama surrounding the possible injury to a beloved horse.[3] Illustrations in pen and ink by Corban Wilkin are described as "balancing realism with gently rounded and slightly exaggerated features that foreground emotional stakes," according to Booklist.[3][2] Publishers Weekly compares the illustration style Wilkin used in Grand Theft Horse to Will Eisner's work.[4]
The book includes photographs of Ruffu at the end of the story and also includes her "personal plea for reforms in the horse-racing industry."[5] It is written for middle school and high school readers.[2]
In 2019, Booklist named Grand Theft Horse as one of its "Top 10 Biographies for Youth" for the year.[6]
Reviews
editHorn Book Magazine wrote, "Intense and candid, the story underscores the risks and rewards of uncompromised activism."[5] ForeWord Reviews calls the book "an inspirational tale, demonstrating the universal moral of standing up for one's beliefs, even if there's a steep price."[7]
References
edit- ^ Bancroft, Colette (5 October 2018). "Review: G. Neri's 'Grand Theft Horse' a thrilling true tale of a woman on a mission". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved 2020-01-05.
- ^ a b c d "Grand Theft Horse". Kirkus Review. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
- ^ a b Karp, Jesse (2018). "Grand Theft Horse". Booklist. 115 (2): 46 – via EBSCOhost.
- ^ "Grand Theft Horse". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
- ^ a b Auger, Tanya D. (2019). "Grand Theft Horse". Horn Book Magazine. 95 (1): 118 – via EBSCOhost.
- ^ Khuri, Ronny (2019). "Top 10 Biographies for Youth". Booklist. 115 (19): 74 – via EBSCOhost.
- ^ Dabbene, Peter (2018). "Grand Theft Horse". ForeWord Reviews. 21 (5): 70 – via EBSCOhost.