Book 1

Gabriel's Horses

by Alison Hart

Published 1 April 2007
In 1864 Kentucky, an enslaved boy dares to pursue his dream of becoming a jockey.

Twelve-year-old Gabriel loves to help his father—one of the best horse trainers in Kentucky—care for the thoroughbred racehorses on Master Giles's farm until the violence of war disrupts their familiar daily routine. When Gabriel's father enlists in a Colored Battalion, Gabriel is both proud and worried.

But his father's departure brings the arrival of Mr. Newcastle, a white horse trainer with harsh, cruel methods for handling both horses and people. Now it is up to Gabriel to protect the horses he loves from Mr. Newcastle and keep them safely out of the clutches of Confederate raiders.

In this first book in the Racing to Freedom trilogy, Alison Hart explores the complex relationships of the Civil War in a gripping work of historical fiction. The result is a gripping story that vividly brings to life the danger and drama of a time when war and issues of race and freedom divided the country. Background historical material and photos are included.

Book 2

Gabriel's Triumph

by Alison Hart

Published 1 October 2007
Recently freed from slavery, Gabriel is burning up the horse track as jockey and stacking up wins for his former master.

When Mister Giles asks him to ride Aristo, a powerful but unpredictable horse, in the prestigious Saratoga Chase, Gabriel jumps at the chance to compete against some of the greatest jockeys in the business. But as he begins the journey to Saratoga, he finds that high-stakes horse racing can be a nasty business as he works to keep Aristo safe and fend off horse poachers and jealous jockeys.

Gabriel also learns the difficult lesson that being freed is not the same as being free. More than ever, Gabriel misses his father, who is fighting with the Union Army. Who else can he trust?

In the second book of the Racing to Freedom trilogy, Alison Hart continues to explore the complex relationships of the Civil War. The result is a gripping story that vividly brings to life the danger and drama of a time when war and issues of race and freedom divided the country. Background historical material and photos are included.

Book 3

Gabriel's Journey

by Alison Hart

Published 1 April 2008