The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby

"This is both a personal story of determination and dedication and a brief look at the history of horse racing and the social injustice that led to Wink being the last African-American jockey to win the Derby. Vibrant oil paintings bring readers right into the action and capture the special relationship between Wink and the horses he rode and raised. This well-written and interesting biography will be a welcome addition to most collections."

"Hubbard's text is richly informative and filled with exciting sensory details. . . The stirring scenes of horses streaking down the track, hooves pounding through clouds of dust, will easily capture children's attention. The background history of discrimination and African Americans in horse-racing history, spelled out in the foreword and expanded on throughout the text, adds even more heft and curricular ties to Wink's personal story, which is helpfully summarized in an afterward. A solid introduction to a fascinating subject."

"[T]his overview of Winkfield's life as a jockey stands as both a celebration of racing and a snapshot of one determined man."

"The thrilling text and dramatic oil paintings make it exceedingly difficult to put this book down before reaching the very last page. Carefully intertwined in the tales of Wink's triumphs and defeats are important lessons about discrimination and job opportunities that had a profound impact on his career progression. The Last Black King of the Kentucky Derby makes a valuable contribution to children's literature by bringing to life the story of an African American hero whose rightful place in sports history has only recently gained recognition and appreciation."

"This book, with its informative introduction, is a teaching tool for children 8–10 that can be used to discuss an overlooked part of American history."