Hold Your Horses!
HarperCollins Publishers 1995
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Themes include war and conflict, stewardship and animal welfare
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- human–animal bond
- technology and change
- work and industry
- war and conflict
- culture and tradition
- exploration and expansion
- sports and competition
- stewardship and animal welfare
About this book
This engaging nonfiction book traces the long partnership between people and horses—from early domestication to work, war, sport, and everyday life. Milton Meltzer weaves history, culture, and compelling anecdotes to show how horses helped build cities, explore frontiers, and shape civilizations. Clear writing, photos, and sidebars make complex history accessible for middle-grade readers. Perfect for animal lovers and history buffs who enjoy learning how technology and culture have changed over time.
Setting: worldwide history from ancient times to the modern era, with emphasis on the United States
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hold Your Horses! right for my child?
Yes — Hold Your Horses! is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.2, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include human–animal bond, technology and change, work and industry.
How long does it take to read Hold Your Horses!?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Hold Your Horses! takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hold Your Horses! have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hold Your Horses! has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Hold Your Horses!?
Hold Your Horses! has an AR reading level of 7.2, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.