Back of Book:
Wild Horse Annie was the nickname of Velma Bronn Johnston (1912–77), loved mustangs all her life. When she saw mustangs being rounded up and killed to make room for ranchers’ livestock, she knew she had to speak up. In 1950, she began writing letters to local newspapers and politicians, defending the horses’ right to raom free.
Many people told Annie to hush up, but they couldn’t stop her. She soon became a voice for mustangs throughout the state of Nevada, speaking on their behalf at town halls and meetings.
But Annie was only one person, and she wanted to do more. So she got children to speak up, too, by having them write letters to Washington, D.C., officials to ask them to save the Mustangs. Finally, with the help of her young “pencil brigade,” Annie persuaded Congress to pass nationwide laws protecting wild horses and burros on public land nationwide.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from author Tracey Fern in exchange for an honest review.
I have never studied much about Wild Horse Annie and was amazed by this well-written biography about one woman’s fight to protect the animals she loved! The story follows Tracey from her childhood love of horses to her struggles with polio. Her love of horses gave her a passion to see them protected and safe. I was fascinated to learn about the many avenues that Velma wrote and spoke to throughout the country. The inspiring ending will make readers want to stand up and fight for a cause of their own! The illustrations are stunning and showcase the beauty of Mustangs. The back of the book has detailed authors note that shares more about Wild Horse Annie. This is a perfect story for horse lovers of all ages. It is also a perfect addition to a National Women’s Unit.
Ages 6 and up
48 Pages
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