War Horse by Michael Morpurgo has garnered acclaim for its compelling portrayal of World War I through the eyes of a horse named Joey. Readers praise the emotional depth and historical accuracy, yet some critique the anthropomorphic perspective as less realistic. Overall, it's a moving and educational story capturing the bond between humans and animals amidst war.

A reader who enjoys War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is typically fond of historical fiction, animal stories, and emotionally impactful narratives. They are likely fans of Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne, appreciating tales of loyalty, friendship, and the human-animal bond amid trying circumstances.

War Horse by Michael Morpurgo is a children's historical fiction novel set during World War I, chronicling the journey of a young horse named Joey who is separated from his beloved owner, Albert, and passed through various owners, both kind and cruel, while serving in the war. The story poignantly portrays enduring friendship and bravery amidst the calamities of war. The book involves themes of war and animal cruelty.

Emotional / Bittersweet / Adventurous / Inspirational / Heartwarming

- War Horse was inspired by a chance meeting Michael Morpurgo had with World War I veterans in a pub in Devon, who shared stories about the bonds between soldiers and their horses.
- The book's adaptation into a stage play, featuring life-sized horse puppets by the Handspring Puppet Company, won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Set Design in 2007 and five Tony Awards, including Best Play, in 2011.
- Morpurgo credits his wife, Clare, as instrumental in shaping War Horse, as she encouraged him to turn the stories from World War I veterans into a novel.

**Joey**  
A bright red bay horse with a black mane and tail, and a distinctive white cross on his forehead, who narrates the story and expresses deep loyalty to his first owner, Albert, and forms lasting friendships throughout his experiences.

**Albert**  
Joey's first owner and best friend, who grows up with Joey on a farm and shares a deep bond of trust and affection with the horse, striving to reunite with him after they are parted by war.

**Topthorn**  
A tall, shining black stallion admired for his beauty and prowess, who becomes Joey’s closest friend among the war horses, providing strength and courage during their shared challenges.

**Father**  
Joey's original owner who initially buys him out of spite, but despite harshness and flaws, including a tendency towards drunkenness, is portrayed as having a complex, often misunderstood nature.

**Captain Nicholls**  
A tall and elegant British soldier who purchases Joey to serve as his war horse and demonstrates kindness and understanding, forming a respectful bond with him.

**Trooper Warren**  
A gentle and family-oriented young man, assigned to ride Joey after Captain Nicholls's death, who struggles with horsemanship but cherishes his bond with the horse.

**Friedrich**  
A kind and gentle older German soldier considered eccentric by his peers, who befriends Joey and Topthorn amidst the war, and whose empathy and reluctance for battle shine through his interactions.

**Emilie**  
A spirited thirteen-year-old girl living on a French farm where Joey and Topthorn are stationed, who shares a special bond with the horses and shows unwavering affection.

**Grandfather**  
Living on the farm with Emilie, he is a kind and hardworking figure who deeply loves his granddaughter and faces significant personal losses during the war.

Michael Morpurgo

Middle grade

Novel

War Horse

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War Horse

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