Grand Theft Horse

Description: In this gorgeous graphic novel, the Eisner-nominated, Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author of the acclaimed "Yummy" and "Tru & Nelle" retells the life of his cousin Gail, a pioneer who challenged the horse racing world to fight for the humane treatment of animals.

Brief description:

Corban Wilkin is the recipient of the 2012 Cape/Observer/Comica Graphic Short Story Prize for his comic But I Can't and was nominated for the 2014 British Comics Awards in the Emerging Talent category for the graphic novel Breaker's End . He lives in London, England.

Review Quotes:

* "The graphic novel world isn't full of true stories about nearly sixty-year-old, women of color who refuse to back down from wealthy, white men exploiting (and further corrupting) a corrupt system. Grand Theft Horse feels all the more timely and urgent because of it." -- Booklist, starred review

* "This gripping seven-part exposé lifts the veil on corruption in the horse racing industry and introduces one of the sport's pioneers. . . . Superb. Ruffu's tenacity and the book's satisfying conclusion will appeal to fans of John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell's 'March' trilogy." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"The pen-and-ink illustrations vividly capture the drama of this riveting tale that will provoke readers to ponder the ethics of our treatment of animals who suffer for human entertainment as well as the actions of a woman who broke the law to stand up for her principles and the horse she loved. Amid the strife and sadness there are moments of joy and passion, and the message of standing up for your convictions makes this a necessary tale." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Artwork by Wilkin evokes Will Eisner's drawings and articulates the story's descent into a dark world around racehorses and animal care. Neri's storytelling captures the everyday dedication and sacrifice behind Ruffu's tale and manages to feel both potent and unpretentious." -- Publishers Weekly

"Intense and candid, the story underscores the risks and rewards of uncompromised activism." -- The Horn Book

"The world loves an underdog and Grand Theft Horse reminds us that underdogs can and do win. This will be a hit with animal lovers of any age. A phenomenal read--I loved it." -- A.S. King, Printz Award winner and author of Still Life With Tornado

"Grand Theft Horse is a fascinating deep dive into the world of high-stakes horse racing told with captivating illustrations and a razor sharp narrative. Neri and Wilkin capture the amazing true story of an unsung American hero in Gail Ruffu. This is one graphic novel every horse lover should read. I couldn't put it down." -- Brendan Reichs, New York Times bestselling author of Nemesis

"Grand Theft Horse is an original story seldom told: of a woman who sacrifices everything to the matrix of capitalism, bureaucracy, and incarceration in order to bring us closer to our humanity." -- Tony Medina, author of I Am Alfonso Jones

"Greg Neri's true-life account of his cousin Gail Ruffu's efforts to save a beloved racehorse force readers to examine the difference between what is legal, what is moral, and which should win out when there's a life on the line. Neri beautifully captures the plainspoken voice and deliberate actions of his cousin Gail, whose love and concern for a racehorse will leave readers cheering." -- Crystal Hubbard, author of The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby

"A compelling page-turner of a story that will move you to anger and tears. Grand Theft Horse is a graphic novel to share, ponder, talk about, and love. Neri and Wilkin have crafted a thing of wonder, brilliance, and beauty." -- Andrew Smith, Michael L. Printz Honor and Boston Globe-Horn Book Award author of Grasshopper Jungle

"A very entertaining blend of biography and comics, and an inspiring story!" -- Steve Sheinkin, author of Most Dangerous and The Port Chicago 50

Best Books for Kids - THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Delaware Diamonds Awards - Diamond State Reading Association
Garden State Teen Book Awards - New Jersey Library Association
New Mexico Battle of the Books
TAYSHAS Reading List - Texas Library Association (TLA)