RAJA, Story of a Racehorse
Kirkus Reviews, a respected voice in book discovery for almost 80 years, announced today that it has named RAJA, Story of a Racehorse (Old Bow Publishing) by Anne Hambleton, to its Best of 2012 Indie list. Called “An outstanding debut novel for young people” by Kirkus, RAJA, Story of a Racehorse chronicles the life of a well-bred Thoroughbred racehorse from the Triple Crown path, to his life after racing in the horse show, police horse and steeplechase worlds, including encounters with the livestock auction and “kill buyers”. An engaging and authentic story of never, ever, ever giving up and overcoming obstacles, RAJA, Story of a Racehorse is the 2012 winner of the Mom’s Choice gold medal, the IPPY Award bronze medal for Juvenile Fiction and the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award silver medal for Young Reader fiction (8-12). “I’m completely overwhelmed and delighted by this honor. I hope that kids who read RAJA, Story of a Racehorse will appreciate the
relationships we have with our animal companions. Everything I write about, good and bad, happens every day in the horse world. I know, I’ve lived much of it,” says author Anne Hambleton. A former steeplechase jockey with forty years of experience in several equestrian disciplines, Hambleton was inspired by her ex-racehorses who are now on their third or fourth careers. “This story could be true. There are endless stories of ex-racehorses that have gone on to excel in other disciplines after racing….or, that have slipped through the cracks. I wanted to make RAJA realistic and educational, yet a fun read – sort of a modern day Black Beauty.”
About Kirkus Reviews Founded in 1933, Kirkus has been an authoritative voice in book discovery for almost 80 years. Kirkus Reviews magazine gives industry professionals a sneak peek at the most notable books being published weeks before they’re released. When the books become available for purchase, Kirkus serves the reviews to consumers in a weekly email newsletter and on KirkusReviews.com, giving readers unbiased, critical recommendations they can trust. About RAJA, Story of a Racehorse RAJA, Story of a Racehorse (Upper middle reader fiction, Old Bow Publishing $12.95 Tradepaper, ISBN# 978-0-615-54029-0 www.rajaracehorse.com) chronicles a well-bred Thoroughbred racehorse’s racing career and post-racing odyssey. Written in the horse’s voice and illustrated by award-winning equestrian artist Peggy Kauffman, RAJA, Story of a Racehorse evokes children’s classic horse books in its tale of overcoming obstacles and never, ever, ever giving up. Anne Hambleton lives in Vermont with her family and several ex-racehorses she actively trains and competes. Raja, Story of a Racehorse is her first novel.
www.RAJARACEHORSE.com or contact James Elliott at Old Bow Publishing: James@oldbowpublishing.com
