As a child, I was utterly obsessed with this story of a beautiful horse and his journey from childhood to old age in 19th-century England, a time when horses were the main form of transportation.

Black Beauty is the autobiography of Beauty, an intelligent and well-brought-up horse who has had varied fortunes throughout his life. As a carriage horse, he has many owners and suffers occasional mistreatment, as do the other horses he befriends. In old age, he finds a childhood friend and a home where he is truly loved. There is a powerful message throughout the novel of being good, considerate of others, and above all, kind to animals.

The only book written by Anna Sewell, who died not long after the initial publication, it was not intended for children but is an easy, delightful read. Sewell’s aim was to improve the treatment of working horses, which were subjected to numerous injustices including blinkers and bearing reins. Not only did it become a bestseller, it also resulted in animal welfare improvements.

This truly is a must-read classic for any animal lover aged 9+. It might make you cry, but Black Beauty’s story will stay with you forever.