Alexandra the Great: The Story of the Record-Breaking Filly Who Ruled the Racetrack
Guides by Deb – Keeping your books in the hearts of young readers and in the hands of those who care for them.
Alexandra the Great: The Story of the Record-Breaking Filly Who Ruled the Racetrack
Author: Deb Aronson
ISBN: 978-1613736456
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Synopsis: When a little foal with a white upside-down exclamation point on her forehead was born one morning in Kentucky, the heart of America’s horse racing region, problems mounted quickly. Rejected by her mother, the filly would need to be accepted and nursed by another mare. As she grew, the tall, knock-kneed girl remained skinny and scruffy, with paltry muscles. Considered an “ugly duckling,” she was unsuitable as a champion racehorse, her owner proclaimed, and must be sold. But two days before the sale, an examination revealed a medical condition—now she was impossible to sell! What would become of this problem filly?
Key Teaching Value: Inspires students to recognize that greatness is born from grit—showing how setbacks, perseverance, and courage turn doubt into dominance.
Educator Guide Content Summary: Students follow Rachel Alexandra’s journey from rejected foal to record-breaking champion through focused themes of trial, tragedy, tenacity, and triumph. The guide’s discussions and writing activities highlight character analysis, gender equity in sports, and resilience, encouraging evidence-based reflection aligned to CCSS reading and writing standards.
