Marguerite Henry

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1902, Marguerite Henry became one of the most loved writers of children's animal stories in the United States. She wrote dozens of books, many inspired by true stories of horses and other animals, and she had a gift for blending careful research with a style that felt welcoming and exciting to young readers.

Her best-known books include Misty of Chincoteague, King of the Wind, and Justin Morgan Had a Horse. King of the Wind won the Newbery Medal, and several of her other books received major honors as well. Many readers also remember her long collaboration with illustrator Wesley Dennis, whose artwork became closely tied to the world of her stories.

What made her work last was its mix of affection, adventure, and respect for animals. Rather than treating horses as simple background details, she made them the heart of the story, which helped her books become lasting favorites for children, families, and horse lovers alike. She died in 1997.