Anna Sewell's Black Beauty is a classic novel told from the perspective of a horse, following his life from a happy colt to working horse experiencing both kindness and cruelty. Through Black Beauty's voice, Sewell created a powerful plea for animal welfare that changed how horses were treated in Victorian England. The novel becomes both adventure story and social reform document, proving that stories told from animal perspectives can create empathy and that some children's books are activism disguised as entertainment.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Sewell wrote the book that changed animal welfare laws, proving that fiction can create real-world change. This classic reminds us that Black Beauty's suffering mattered to readers enough to demand reform, that animal perspectives are valid, and that some books are both timeless stories and historical documents.

DETAILS: • Author: Anna Sewell • Publisher: Puffin Books • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: April 1, 2008 • ISBN: 9780141321035 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days