Step Right Up captivates readers with the impossible feats of a spelling horse and the quiet patience of his trainer. Children enjoy seeing Doc Carver use gentle methods to silence his skeptical critics during high energy circus performances. Books in this family share a focus on remarkable human-animal bonds and historical underdogs who prove their worth through kindness.
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with frustration or believes that being 'tough' is the only way to get results. This inspiring true story follows William 'Doc' Carver, a formerly enslaved man, and his horse Jim Key, who became a sensation by demonstrating advanced skills like spelling and math. At its heart, the book is about the power of kindness and the revolutionary idea that animals (and people) respond better to patience than to force. It is a beautiful way to discuss empathy, historical perseverance, and the importance of standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Perfect for elementary age children, it turns a fascinating historical biography into a lesson on the gentle strength of the human spirit.
