Black Beauty
“If we treat horses gently, they will treat us gently in return.” This is no ordinary horse, but a “friend who tells his own life story.” From rural farms to city carriages, from gentle masters to enslaved cart pullers, it witnesses the full spectrum of human nature and allows readers to see the world through the eyes of an animal for the first time.
Basic Information
- Book title: Black Beauty
- Author: Anna Sewell
- Recommended age range: 9 years and up (suitable for upper elementary to junior high school students)
- Genre: Animal fiction × First-person perspective × Moral allegory
- Published in 1877 (one of the earliest “animal rights literature” in Britain)
Why recommend Black Beauty?
1、A human perspective from an animal’s point of view: Narrated in the first person by a horse, it encourages readers to consider the impact of human behavior.
2、A 19th-century animal protection advocacy book: Its publication sparked social awareness and spurred discussions on horse harness improvement and animal protection laws.
3、A classic for all ages: It is both children’s literature and a work from which adults can glean profound moral lessons.
This book is not just about horses, but also about how to be a more compassionate person. It’s a gentle lesson for children, and for ourselves.
Kindness is not weakness, but a stronger form of respect; gentleness is not cowardice, but courage that comes from within.
