Marguerite Henry
Marguerite Henry was an influential American author renowned for her captivating children's literature, particularly her horse-themed stories. Born on April 13, 1902, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she showed an early passion for writing, publishing her first article at just eleven years old. Despite growing up without pets, Henry's profound love for animals shines through her narratives, characterized by historical accuracy and rich character development. Her writing career gained traction with her first significant work, inspired by Finnish friends, leading to a series of acclaimed books. Notably, "Justin Morgan Had a Horse" (1945) and "Misty of Chincoteague" (1947) earned her Newbery Medals, solidifying her legacy in children's literature. Her stories often highlight the deep bonds between humans and animals, resonating with young readers for generations. Henry continued to publish until her later years, with her final book released in 1996. She passed away on November 26, 1997, leaving behind a cherished collection of stories that continue to inspire a love for animals and adventure.
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Marguerite Henry
Author
- Born: April 13, 1902
- Birthplace: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Died: November 26, 1997
- Place of death: Rancho Santa Fe, California
Biography
Marguerite Henry was born Marguerite Breithaupt on April 13, 1902, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the youngest of five children born to Anna Kaurup Breithaupt and Louis Breithaupt, a publisher. She sold her first article to a magazine when she was eleven years old. During her teens she worked at a local library repairing books. Upon graduation from Riverside High School in Milwaukee, she entered the Milwaukee State Teachers College and the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. She married Sidney Crocker Henry, a sales manager, on May 5, 1923; he died in 1987.
Though best known for her animal stories, particularly her horse books, Henry grew up in a home without pets. Her love of animals is evident in the attention to detail, the historical accuracy, and the energy of her plots. Her characters, whether human or animal, have depth and appeal for readers more than half a century after they were written. The courage and determination of the horses and animals in her books speak to the heart of her young readers.
Despite her numerous contributions to children’s literature, Henry’s writing career began slowly with a few articles published in the Saturday Evening Post. Two Finnish friends, who recounted childhood stories, inspired her first full-length book, Auno and Tauno: A Story of Finland (1940). During the 1940’s she wrote many titles for the Pictured Geographies series, including Canada in Story and Pictures (1941) and Panama in Story and Pictures (1941).
Her first horse story, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, was published in 1945. Set in the late eighteenth century, the book traces the history of the Morgan horse breed from its founding sire in rural Vermont. This book earned the Newbery Medal, as did Misty of Chincoteague (1947), the tale of a horse that avoided the annual roundup of wild ponies on a small Virginia island and the two children who longed to own it. As in most of Henry’s horse books, the bond between animal and master is emphasized. Henry would eventually write several sequels to this book, including Stormy, Misty’s Foal (1963) and Misty’s Twilight (1992). King of the Wind, published in 1948, is about the Godolphin Arabian, the progenitor of the Thoroughbred race horse. It earned the Newbery Medal in 1949 and the Young Readers Choice Award in 1951. The book tells the tale of a stallion abused and subjected to hard labor after being rejected by royalty and of the mute stable boy who cared for him from the time he was a colt. Henry’s last book, Brown Sunshine of Sawdust Valley, published in 1996, tells of a ten-year-old girl who so longed to own a horse that she was willing to raise Lady Sue, a broken-down mare purchased by her father. The girl’s love and care enable Lady Sue to give birth to Brown Sunshine. Henry died at her home in Rancho Sante Fe, California, on November 26, 1997, at the age of ninety-five.