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“She was truly one of them. At last she was where she belonged and was very happy.”

Great for teaching legends and their connection to culture and values. It also opens discussion about respect for animals, Native American traditions, and how illustrations support storytelling.

This story is a legend, since it explains how a girl from a Plains tribe became part of the wild horse herd she adored. Legends often mix human experiences with elements of the natural and spiritual world, and here the girl‘s love for horses leads to her transformation. The tale reflects cultural values of respect for animals, freedom, and harmony with nature, while the illustrations highlight the beauty and spirit of the plains and the horses.

“Once again the girl rode beside the spotted stallion. They were proud and happy together.“

I can use The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses to teach about Native American culture, pourquoi tales, and respect for nature. It‘s great for discussing themes like freedom, belonging, and our connection to animals. I can also use it during a folklore unit, have students write their own pourquoi tales, or explore the artwork to connect literacy with visual arts and cultural studies.

The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble is a Native American pourquoi tale that explains the deep bond between a girl and wild horses. She feels more at home with them than with her people. After a storm separates her from her village, she chooses to stay with the horses forever. This tale fits the traditional literature category as a pourquoi story, explaining a cultural belief about the origin of wild horse spirits.

“But she did not forget her people“

The girl who loved horses has a Caldecott Medal (1979) Publication Year: 1978 and is a folktale. It tells the story of a young Native American girl who develops a profound connection with a herd of wild horses. The story emphasizes themes of empathy, respect for nature, and understanding the natural world, while also celebrating Indigenous storytelling traditions.

In the classroom, it can be used to teach empathy, respect for animals, and connection to nature, while also exploring Native American culture, storytelling, and descriptive language.

“She would ride beside them—free as the wind, no one making her do anything she didn‘t want to do.“

This would be ideal for introducing Native American legends and themes of nature, respect, and identity. I would use it to spark conversations about our connection to animals and to explore traditional storytelling from Indigenous cultures.

This Native American legend tells of a girl who feels a deep connection to wild horses and ultimately becomes one with them. As a legend, it explains a cultural belief in a mystical and symbolic way. The story beautifully honors nature, freedom, and respect for animals. It is a caldecott winner and is written by Paul Goble.

“She was not afraid of the wild horses; she loved them.”

This book tells the story of a Native American girl who has a very strong connection to horses. She is captured by her people because of her love for horses.

After reading the book, students can create artwork inspired by the themes of the story, such as freedom, nature, and cultural identity. They could draw or paint wild horses or create a collage that represents their connection to nature.

4.5 🐉
This captivating book cover belongs to a title that holds a Goble's Caldecott Medal that tells the story of a young Native American girl who takes horses under her wing. I'd recommend using this classical tale for a K3 that can give us a sense of belonging and purpose.

Follow up in the comments to read the rest...

This TL book is about a girl who becomes one with the horses. This Caldecott winner is beautifully drawn and written! It shows kids that if you devote your time and energy into something you believe in, you will succeed and be happy. This book is perfect for a RA or PR. https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=2685 is great resource to learn more about this book and author! #UCFLAE3414SP20
UDL 3.1 - Activate or supply background knowledge

A Fable, Caldecott winner, TS's include RA, LC, S, GR, and PR. This book has a little girl who is almost like a horse whisperer, where during a thunderstorm gets taken on a wild ride with horses to meet the great Spotted Stallion. That is where the story takes off, and you don't know what she'll consider her true home, either with her new friend the Spotted Stallion, or her family.

I can't believe this wasn't a book I picked up naturally as a child. The illustrations alone took me back to the late 70's/early 80's. A young woman would rather live among the wild horses than with people, seems like something I would've dreamed of as a child, and truthfully, as an adult as well!

This year I'm participating in several challenges. One of them is the #birthdaychallenge where I'll read one book that was published in each year since I was born. I'm starting with my birth year, 1978, with The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble.