Marguerite Henry Collection

Marguerite Henry was born April 13, 1902 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She attended Milwaukee State Teacher's College for two years, and in 1940 published her first book for children, Auno and Tauno : A Story of Finland. During the 1940s, Marguerite Henry also wrote the "Pictured Geographies" series introducing young readers to various countries around the world. In 1945, she published Justin Morgan Had a Horse, which received a Newbery Honor citation; the book was later re-written and published under the same title in 1954. Marguerite Henry's next horse story, Misty of Chincoteague, was also awarded a Newbery Honor in 1948, and King of the Wind, the story of the Godolphin Arabian, won the Newbery in 1949. Throughout her long and prolific career, Marguerite Henry's books have been cited by critics for their historical detail and accuracy, as well for making "history come alive" for young readers. Her books are also noted for their realism, characterization, and "nonhumanized treatment of animals", especially horses. Several of her books have been made into motion pictures or television movies, and she is considered by many to be the "best author of children's horse stories in this era." Marguerite Henry received the Kerlan Award in 1975 for her contribution to children's literature.