Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness
by Donna Janell Bowman (Author) Daniel Minter (Illustrator)
William "Doc" Key had a special way with animals. Growing up enslaved in Tennessee, Doc was sent to plantations around the state to care for sick and wounded animals. When the Civil War ended and Doc was freed, he began to dream of breeding a winning racehorse. But those dreams were dashed when his colt was born weak and sickly. Although many people would have euthanized the colt, Doc nursed him back to health and named him Jim.
Noticing a level of curiosity and eagerness in the horse, Doc began teaching Beautiful Jim Key first to recognize letters, then to read, write, add, subtract, and more. Doc soon took his talented horse on the road, spreading a message of patience and kindness, over cruelty, to all animals.
With striking illustrations by Daniel Minter, Step Right Up is the inspiring story of one man and one horse who showed the world the power of kindness.
This biography explores Common Core English Language Arts Standards and Social Studies Standards.
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Publishers Weekly
Born into slavery, William "Doc" Key drew national attention at the end of the 19th century for his training of a purebred Arabian horse, eventually known as Beautiful Jim Key, teaching the animal how to "combine letters to spell words, choose numbers to make sums, find flags to identify states, move clock hands to tell time, and a whole lot more." Themes of racial injustice and the harsh treatment of animals offer a poignant supplement to the main narrative ("Kindness, kindness, and more kindness, that's the way," was how Doc Key described his success with Jim), which has another sturdy complement in Minter's (Ellen's Broom) bold linoleum block prints. Though debut author Bowman focuses on Doc's relationship with Jim, a substantial afterword will leave children eager to learn more about Doc Key's remarkable life, including his reluctant service work with Confederate forces during the Civil War and his efforts to free the enslaved. Ages 7-12. Author's agent: Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary. (Sept.)
Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.School Library Journal
Gr 2-6--A profile of William "Doc" Key and his relationship with animals, specifically his skilled horse Jim. Key was born a slave in Shelbyville, TN, in the 1830s. After the Civil War, he stayed in Shelbyville and built a veterinary where he sold his homemade remedies, and became very successful. Referred to as "Doc" Key, he traveled extensively while pursuing various entrepreneurial goals. Key eventually trained a clumsy colt named Jim to amaze audiences with his uncanny ability to spell and do math. He donated portions of his proceeds to humane societies and was instrumental in raising awareness for the compassionate treatment of animals. Minter's linoleum block prints, painted with acrylic, add the perfect historic feel to an incredible true story. The extensive back matter will be useful for student reports. VERDICT A solid purchase for most collections with an interest in biographies and animal rights.--Jennifer Steib Simmons, Anderson County Library, SC
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Donna Janell Bowman grew up on a quarter horse ranch where she trained for horse shows and developed her passion for writing. When she first heard about Doc and Jim Key, Bowman was skeptical about Jim's "education." But after doing her own research, she was inspired to share Doc and Jim's fascinating story with young readers. Bowman lives in Texas with her family and their rescue animals. This is her debut book.
Daniel Minter is the illustrator of several award-winning picture books. He is also an adjunct instructor of art at the Maine College of Art. Minter finds inspiration for his work from observing the natural world and thinking about history and science. He is the founding director of Maine Freedom Trails, an organization dedicated to identifying sites related to the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement. Minter lives with his family in Portland, Maine.
History
United States
Training
Human-animal communication
Biography
Horses
Key, Bill
Beautiful Jim Key (Horse)
Humane education
Horse trainers
