Gaudenzia, Pride of the Palio is a captivating and heartwarming story that takes readers on a journey to the world of the famous Palio horse race in Siena, Italy. The author, Marguerite Henry, does a fantastic job of capturing the beauty and excitement of this historic event.

The protagonist, a young horse named Gaudenzia, is the pride of her owner and rider, and their bond is truly special. As they prepare for the race of a lifetime, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, from joy and excitement to fear and uncertainty.

Henry's writing is vivid and descriptive, bringing the sights, sounds, and smells of the Palio to life. The story is rich in detail and steeped in Italian culture, making it an engaging and educational read for horse lovers and history buffs alike.

Overall, Gaudenzia, Pride of the Palio is a delightful and inspiring tale of friendship, perseverance, and the power of determination. Henry's storytelling abilities shine in this novel, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a charming and uplifting story.

Book Description:
Each summer, in the ancient hill town of Siena, Italy, there erupts one of the most extraordinary, exciting, and dangerous horse races in the world— the Palio. So furious is the rivalry that it is often said the Palio is more battle than race, and that "Fate is the Queen of the Palio."

This magnificent book is a true story of the Palio —a thrilling, heart-stirring tale of a boy and a beautiful half-Arabian mare who won undying fame. Marguerite Henry tells—as only she can—how the life of Giorgio Terni, a boy of the Maremma marshes, became linked in strange and dramatic fashion with that of the cart horse Gaudenzia, whose Arabian blood brought her into the contest of the Palio. When Gaudenzia is lamed in one of the wild races, it is Giorgio whose devoted care brings her back to health. And it is Giorgio who has the joy of riding her to victory in one Palio, and then the heartbreak of fighting her in the next. How he wins the title “Vittorino” and how Gaudenzia becomes the "Pride of the Palio” make a story to enthrall the heart of every reader.