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Description
This biography follows Jimmy Winkfield, an African American jockey born to a sharecropping family in 1880s Kentucky, who pursued his dream of becoming a professional horseman despite significant obstacles. Inspired by his hero Isaac Murphy, Winkfield worked hard to master horsemanship and eventually became one of the most skilled jockeys of his era. The book recounts his historic 1902 victory at the Kentucky Derby, making him the last African American winner of that prestigious race.
Quick Summary
Meet Jimmy Winkfield, the fearless Black jockey who rode his way into history by winning the Kentucky Derby in 1902, becoming the last African American to ever claim that crown. Kids will cheer as they read about how Jimmy raced past mean competitors, hostile crowds, and impossible odds to become one of the fastest jockeys of his time, all while sitting atop horses running at breakneck speed. If your kid loves underdog sports stories like "Heat" by Mike Lupica or rooting for the little guy in books about real-life heroes, they'll absolutely devour this tale of a true champion on horseback. Perfect for young readers in grades 2 through 4 who enjoy true stories about brave people who never gave up.