This grand old childhood classic relates a small-town boy's pranks and escapades with humor and wisdom that appeal to readers of every age. In addition to his everyday stunts (searching for buried treasure, trying to impress the adored Becky Thatcher), Tom experiences a dramatic turn of events when he witnesses a murder, runs away, and returns to attend his own funeral and testify in court.

Black Beauty is among the most enduring works of children's literature. First published in 1877, the book alerted adults to the widespread abuse of horses, and provoked immediate positive changes. Yet Black Beauty's appeal is literal as well as political: for young readers it offers a magical perspective---a story told from a horse's point of view. Beauty has an idyllic and heroic youth. His master and coachman treat him gently, and the horse responds...