Books with author Chris Platt

Discover the life of Helen Keller—a story about hope, courage, and finding your voice Helen Keller became a celebrated author, educator, and activist who believed in equality for people with disabilities. Before she made history as the first deaf and blind person to graduate from college, Helen was a smart kid who loved learning. She overcame many challenges to learn how to read, write, and talk. She spoke up for other people with disabilities so they could get equal rights. Explore how Helen Keller went from being a young girl in Alabama to the world-famous First Lady of Courage. The Story of Helen Keller includes: Word definitions—Find a helpful glossary for some of the more advanced words and ideas in the book. Test your knowledge—Take a fun quiz that tests the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Helen’s life.Lasting change—Learn about how Helen made the world a better place for future generations. How will the extraordinary journey of Helen Keller inspire you?

Can a rescued horse help Ali get through to her brother, who has returned from Afghanistan with PTSD? Ali used to love horses. But that was before the accident, when she was injured and her pony died. Before her brother Danny joined the military. Now Danny has returned from Afghanistan. He’s learning to walk with the prosthetic that has replaced one of his legs, but he can’t seem to find a way to reconnect with family and friends. Withdrawn and quick to anger, Danny suffers from terrible nightmares and frightening mood changes. When Ali realizes that an elderly neighbor has been neglecting her horses, she decides she has to act. Can Ali rise above her painful memories and love a horse again? And can Wind Dancer, also injured and traumatized, help Danny rediscover meaning in his life?

Will a city girl’s horse dreams ever come true?For Jordan McKenzie, moving from Los Angeles to rural Michigan was a big change. In LA, she was used to giant shopping malls and classmates who came to school in makeup and heels. In North Adams, Michigan, the nearest Walmart is thirty miles away. Since Jordan is a jeans-and-sneakers kind of girl, she hoped she’d fit in better here—plus, there are horses in Michigan! She has wanted one forever, but in LA they were too expensive. Draft horses—gentle giants—are her favorites, with their dependable demeanors, huge size, and muscle power. Even though all the North Adams kids have horses, Jordan’s busy mother barely agrees to let her coop a couple of chickens on their newly rented farm. Jordan’s wish may never come true.Then she meets Star Gazer, a Percheron mare, at a farm auction and makes a desperate bid to save the aging horse from the slaughterhouse. Jordan is thrilled to bring her home, but Star Gazer is lame and skittish. Can Jordan’s loving care nurse her back to health? And can she make Star Gazer a part of the family before her mother decides to find her a new home?

Discover the life of Martin Luther King Jr—a story about dreaming big and peacefully standing up for civil rights Martin Luther King Jr became one of the most important civil rights leaders in America by fighting for equality for black people. Before he made history with his powerful speeches and peaceful protests, Martin was a dedicated, smart kid who loved to learn. He challenged racism and overcame hardships to follow his passion and do the right thing. Of all the Martin Luther King Jr books for kids, this one really helps you explore how Martin went from being a kid with a dream to an outstanding leader who made America a better place for everyone. How will his life inspire you to do what’s right? All Martin Luther King Jr books for kids should include: Path to power—Unlike other Martin Luther King Jr books for kids, this one has a visual timeline so you can see Martin’s progress through life. Word definitions—This standout among Martin Luther King Jr books for kids has a helpful glossary for the more advanced words and ideas inside. Lasting change—Everything that Martin Luther King Jr books for kids should be, this book explains how Martin made the world a better place for future generations.If you’ve been searching for Martin Luther King Jr books for kids that have beautiful illustrations and easy-to-read chapters, look no further—this one has it all!

Horses are Lily’s life, just like they’d been her mother’s. But will her overprotective father stop her from fulfilling her―and her mother’s―dreams?Thirteen-year-old Lily O’Neil’s passion is Arabian horses. Someday she wants to be a great endurance rider like her mother. But after a freak riding accident took her mother’s life a year earlier, Lily’s father forbade her to ride ever again.When Lily’s grandmother comes to live with them, however, she convinces Mr. O’Neil to let Lily clean stalls on the neighboring Arabian ranch, a place her mother had worked―and loved. Lily is ecstatic, especially since she’ll be near her mother’s favorite horse, Astra. But when Astra falls ill because of the negligence of her new rider, Lily must fight to save the life of her mother’s beloved mare. Will Astra ever race again?Chris Platt, a former jockey, has written a dramatic and memorable story of a young girl’s fierce determination in the face of enormous odds. Featuring plenty of horse-filled action scenes and information about Arabian horses, endurance racing, and horse behavior, Astra is sure to delight equine enthusiasts.

Riding Astra makes Lily feel closer to her mom—even if Lily’s dad blames horses for her mother’s deathAt thirteen, Lily O’Neil dreams of riding Arabian endurance horses in the Sierra Nevada foothills like her mom once did—before her fatal accident. Now, Lily’s father has forbidden her from going near horses ever again—he’s even sold her beloved pony, Domino. But Grams understands that horses are Lily’s life, just like they were for her mom.Astra Atomica is Lily’s favorite, a graceful gray Arabian mare with the potential to become a great champion. Lily’s mom saw it too—she rode the spirited animal to several victories—and Lily knows that the freak accident wasn’t Astra’s fault any more than it was her mother’s. Lily’s secret dream is to ride Astra all the way to the Tevin Cup, like her mother had planned to do. If only she can make her father see how much her bond with Astra means to her, and how much riding meant to her mother.

A spirited young girl’s determination and affection turns a lame horse into a rising competitor.Jordan Mckenzie has just moved to rural Michigan, where she loves to watch the strong, tall Belgian draft horses at work on the nearby Amish and Mennonite farms. When Jordan and her new friend Jacob attend the local livestock auction, she sees one of these beautiful drafts about to be sold to the packers. Without her mom’s permission, she spends all her money to save the lame mare, determined to restore her to health and enter her in a log pulling contest at the upcoming state fair.But Jordan knows very little about draft horses and even less about log pulling. She’s in trouble with her mom, and the local kids are making fun of her decision. With the help of Jacob, Jordan slowly learns to drive a team. With the state fair just around the corner, will Jordan be ready to compete? And will winning prove that she and Star Gazer really do belong?Chris Platt, a former jockey, has written a dramatic and moving story highlighting the bond between a girl and her horse. Featuring plenty of horse-filled action scenes and information about horse care and horse behavior, Star Gazer is sure to delight equine enthusiasts.

A young girl’s fondness for a beautiful Mustang mare fuels her fierce determination to save the life of the wild horse’s orphaned filly.Thirteen-year-old Callie lives on a small organic farm on the edge of the Nevada desert, where she loves to watch a special herd of wild mustangs as they roam―sometimes playing, sometimes even battling, but always magnificent. The horse she calls Cloud Dancer and his pregnant mare Moonbeam are her favorites.But not everyone loves the wild horses. After being seized by the Bureau of Land Management, Moonbeam dies shortly after giving birth prematurely. Callie devotes herself to caring for Moon Shadow, the orphaned filly. It’s touch-and-go as to whether the little mustang will even survive. But if by some miracle Moon Shadow does make it, Callie wonders, will she be able to convince her parents to let her adopt the beloved horse? Worse still, how will she find the money to buy her?Chris Platt, a former jockey, has written a dramatic and touching story with relatable characters. Featuring plenty of horse-filled action scenes and information about the care and raising of horses and horse behavior, Moon Shadow sure to delight equine enthusiasts.

Inspired by the true experiences of a real championship race horse, this beautiful tale is a moving celebration of the power of caring. When thirteen-year-old Katie Durham learns that the owner of a neighboring Thoroughbred farm is going to destroy a newborn colt, she rushes to save him. Although Willow King's legs are badly twisted, Katie fights for his life, begging for the chance to raise and train him. Because one of Katie's own legs is nearly an inch shorter than the other, she feels an immediate kinship with Willow King. Together, Katie and King embark on a painstaking journey of training that becomes more harrowing than Katie ever expected. Yet through it all, she remains determined to see this brave little colt grow into the beautiful Thoroughbred champion she knows he's meant to be.