Old Cove Press is pleased to announce that Frank X Walker’s new collection of poems Isaac Murphy: I Dedicate This Ride will be used as one of the books in the statewide Isaac Murphy Everybody Reads Project (IMERP). Old Cove will provide a resource hub for the project. Here you will find support materials and age appropriate study guides, discussion questions and thematic materials.

Project Background

The Isaac Murphy: Everybody Reads Project was designed in cooperation with the University of Kentucky College of Arts & Sciences and a group of educators from around the state as a statewide literacy project to coincide with the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

Frank X Walker’s new collection of poetry, Isaac Murphy: I Dedicate This Ride (Old Cove Press 2010) and Patsi Trollinger’s children’s book, Perfect Timing (Viking), both of which are about the famous African American jockey, Isaac Murphy will be the two books used in the reading project.

The Lexington Children’s Theater will also mount a theatrical production of the Isaac Murphy story adapted from Walker’s book of poems as part of its fall season, September 26 through October 3 and will present an excerpt from the play and distribute group ticket information at the launch.

Unlike most reading projects centered around a single book, this two-book project is not only designed to promote literacy, it seeks to engage entire families, appeal to a broader audience and to engender intergenerational multi-racial dialogue, conversation and enthusiasm around reading and the exploration of Kentucky’s rich history. 

High School

Lesson Plans & CCSS: Prepared by Phyllis Schlich, English Teacher, Tates Creek High School, Lexington

Middle School

Representative Student Persona Poems

Frank X Walker: Author Site

Patsi B. Trollinger: Author Site

Fishousepoems.org: this site features audio files of Frank X Walker reading from his work as well as Q&A clips and speaking on various topics. Wonderful audio resource for education.

IMERP on Old Cove's Facebook Page: another source for resource materials and a channel for IMERP communication.

Video: Isaac Murphy History: YouTube video posted by The Legacy Center

Old Cove Press, P.O. Box 22886, Lexington, KY 40522
Tel: 859.221.2225 | Fax: 859.422.4971| orders@oldcove.com | info@oldcove.com