This would be an awesome book for a kid with family off to war or kids who like farm/ranch/outdoor work! However, I feel it has a cover that wouldn't appeal to the average middle schooler! Brother is the youngest of 5 boys. He lives with his dad and grandparents on a sheep ranch in Oregon. When his dad is sent to Iraq ( along with several other parents from their small town) and his older brothers are off to school and the service, Brother and his grandparents run the place- a big job. Brother wants desperately to prove that he can do a man's job while his dad is gone. Does he have the heart of a rancher / soldier? I was struck by the skill with which the author painted the picture of the kids waiting and worrying for their soldier parents. This is a strong, faithful, humorous family. I also loved the scenes of brotherly roughhousing filled with caring for each other. Unusual, gripping, tremendous for 4th grade through 7th grade! Heart of a Shepherd is a sweet, genuine story of love of the land, love of family and love of country. The characters ring so true, it reads almost like a diary. Ignatius is the youngest of five boys. With his father and four brothers all in the military, it becomes his job to run the family ranch with his grandparents. I appreciated the beautiful way author, Rosanne Parry, shared a rancher's perspective without sounding preachy. Natural disasters, death, isolation are accepted as a consequence of rural life. A strong supportive community is also a consequence of rural life. Heart of a Shepherd is an especially great choice for urban and suburban children whose only experiences with rural America come from the cliche stories on TV and movies.
What do You think about Heart Of A Shepherd (2010)?
I really liked this book- it was a great, heartfelt coming-of-age story.
—RoseBug
