Deb Aronson

Alexandra the Great tells the gripping story of underdog filly Rachel Alexandra. Despite dominating every filly her age, her owner refused to let her compete against male horses. When a new owner saw her potential and raced her against bigger, stronger males, Rachel Alexandra thrived and went on to win the 2009 Preakness, the first filly to do so in 85 years, and the Woodward, a feat never before achieved. A strong, muscular, dominating athlete, Rachel Alexandra epitomizes the "run like a girl" celebratory attitude toward girl empowerment today. Appealing to horse-obsessed upper elementary and middle school kids, Alexandra the Great is written in an exciting, suspenseful way and includes vivid details informed by the author's interviews with Rachel Alexandra's owners, jockey, veterinarian, and more.