What do you think?
Rate this book
Little Britches #1
Father and I Were Ranchers
Ralph was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes, the pleasures and perils of ranching in the early twentieth century are experienced... auctions and roundups, family picnics, irrigation wars, tornadoes and wind storms all give authentic color to Little Britches. So do wonderfully told adventures, which equip Ralph to take his father's place when it becomes necessary.
Newly republished in a hardcover edition with a 1950s cover, jacket and pictorial endpages. Interior illustrations by Edward Shenton.
Newly republished in a hardcover edition with a 1950s cover, jacket and pictorial endpages. Interior illustrations by Edward Shenton.
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1950
About the author
Ralph Moody
106 books180 followersRalph Moody was an American author who wrote 17 novels and autobiographies about the American West. He was born in East Rochester, New Hampshire, in 1898 but moved to Colorado with his family when he was eight in the hopes that a dry climate would improve his father Charles's tuberculosis. Moody detailed his experiences in Colorado in the first book of the Little Britches series, Father and I Were Ranchers.
After his father died, eleven-year-old Moody assumed the duties of the "man of the house." He and his sister Grace combined ingenuity with hard work in a variety of odd jobs to help their mother provide for their large family. The Moody clan returned to the East Coast some time after Charles's death, but Moody had difficulty readjusting. Following more than one ill-timed run-in with local law enforcement, he left the family home near Boston to live on his grandfather's farm in Maine. His later Little Britches books cover his time in Maine and subsequent travels through Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Kansas—including stints as a bust sculptor and a horse rider doing "horse falls" for motion pictures—as he worked his way back toward Colorado while continuing to support his family financially.
Moody's formal education was limited, but he had a lifelong interest in learning and self-education. At age 50, he enrolled in a writing class, which eventually led to the publication of Father and I Were Ranchers. In addition to the Little Britches series, Moody wrote a number of books detailing the development of the American West. His books have been described as crude in the language of the times but are highly praised by Moody's readership and have been in continuous publication since 1950.
After a period as livestock business owner in rural Kansas, Moody sent to Massachusetts for his former sweetheart, Edna. They married and moved to Kansas City. They had three children.—Source
After his father died, eleven-year-old Moody assumed the duties of the "man of the house." He and his sister Grace combined ingenuity with hard work in a variety of odd jobs to help their mother provide for their large family. The Moody clan returned to the East Coast some time after Charles's death, but Moody had difficulty readjusting. Following more than one ill-timed run-in with local law enforcement, he left the family home near Boston to live on his grandfather's farm in Maine. His later Little Britches books cover his time in Maine and subsequent travels through Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Kansas—including stints as a bust sculptor and a horse rider doing "horse falls" for motion pictures—as he worked his way back toward Colorado while continuing to support his family financially.
Moody's formal education was limited, but he had a lifelong interest in learning and self-education. At age 50, he enrolled in a writing class, which eventually led to the publication of Father and I Were Ranchers. In addition to the Little Britches series, Moody wrote a number of books detailing the development of the American West. His books have been described as crude in the language of the times but are highly praised by Moody's readership and have been in continuous publication since 1950.
After a period as livestock business owner in rural Kansas, Moody sent to Massachusetts for his former sweetheart, Edna. They married and moved to Kansas City. They had three children.—Source
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,454 reviews
January 15, 2008
I finished Little Britches by Ralph Moody. I didn't want to read it because I thought it was a dumb title, and I don't like sad farming stories set in the Great Depression. I blame that on Steinbeck. I know it is so un public school taught of me, to not like Steinbeck but come on his stories are such downers. He is a good writer, but that doesn't mean I want to read his pathetic tales. The title makes more sense after reading the story, and it wasn't a downer story about the failings of capitalism in the great depression (by the way, I don't think the great depression was a fault of capitalism, it was the fault of government intervention). It turned out to be a good quick read, and my husband really enjoyed it. He dreams of living on a ranch/farm, and he liked the lessons it teaches. I think these were a few of this favorites: "Always remember, Son, the best boss is the one who bosses the least. Whether it's cattle, or horses, or men; the least government is the best government (80)." "Son, there are times a man has to do things he doesn't like to, in order to protect his family (120)." I bet this was my husband's favorite: "There are only two kinds of men in this world: Honest men and dishonest men. ...Any man who says the world owes him a living is dishonest. The same God that made you and me made this earth. And He planned it so that it would yield every single thing that the people on it need. But He was careful to plan it so that it would only yield up its wealth in exchange for the labor of man. Any man who tries to share in that wealth without contributing the work of his brain or his hands is dishonest (177)."
February 17, 2017
I am, to use my dear, late, cowboy grandfather’s lowliest epithet, a dude. I'm city-born and horse-shy, but I'm also descended from Colorado ranchers and horsemen dating back to 1870, so I'll be the first to admit that I have a serious soft spot for all things cowboy and all things Colorado - it’s just in my jeans, I guess. With that in mind, you'll probably want to take what follows with a block of salt:
Written in beautifully spartan prose, Little Britches is told through a series of (autobiographical) parables derived from life on a dirt ranch near the Colorado foothills beginning around 1906. Moody delivers his endearing style through the (remarkably authentic) voice of an eight year-old boy as he leads the reader to numerous, and occasionally elegant, lessons in honor, duty and pride. The writing is compelling and often hilarious but, be forewarned, the facts of Colorado ranching life at the turn of the century will occasionally bring you to your knees. A thorough and honest look at an over-mythologized epoch, through the eyes of a remarkable young man, Little Britches will steal your heart and give you pause to ponder some of life’s most poignant lessons. I loved every word.
Written in beautifully spartan prose, Little Britches is told through a series of (autobiographical) parables derived from life on a dirt ranch near the Colorado foothills beginning around 1906. Moody delivers his endearing style through the (remarkably authentic) voice of an eight year-old boy as he leads the reader to numerous, and occasionally elegant, lessons in honor, duty and pride. The writing is compelling and often hilarious but, be forewarned, the facts of Colorado ranching life at the turn of the century will occasionally bring you to your knees. A thorough and honest look at an over-mythologized epoch, through the eyes of a remarkable young man, Little Britches will steal your heart and give you pause to ponder some of life’s most poignant lessons. I loved every word.
January 2, 2012
In 1966 I was in the first grade, and suffering because my newly minted teacher did not believe in children who could read without having completed all the Phonics lessons in the workbook first. My reading tastes were catholic *in the sense of universal* and included National Geographic Magazines form the '20's and '30's, my Great grandfather's Oklahoma grade school textbooks, The Farmer Stockman, The Reader's Digest, any newspaper, cereal box, or other printed matter I could find, and a hand full of little Golden Books, carefully gleaned from many trips to the grocery store and good behavior. My father read many things aloud, but he had the discouraging habit of skipping long sections as he got interested and read silently. He would never go back either! Noting my discouragement at school, he handed me a copy of Little Britches, and I read my first novel. WOW-- it was a life changing experience. For a week or so, I lived, breathed, ate, and slept in Colorado (I'd been there, but at first I didn't realize that the long word: COLORADO actually corresponded to the place. I was in too big a hurry to stop and sound it out! I laughed, cried, suffered, hoped, and grew along with Ralph, Grace, Phillip and Muriel, Father and Mother, King, and of course, Fanny and Two Dogs. I almost cried myself sick when the Flood came. And when the book was done, I cried and cried and cried. When my mother asked me if it was a sad book, I said "No~but it's over!. Thankfully, it was not over, because I have read it at least once a year since then, along with the rest of Mr. Moody's memoirs. I also have read it to a class or two, loaned it to a special student who would appreciate it, and best of all, read it with my own son. This is a treasure`
April 26, 2017
I was very moved by the last chapter of Little Britches when Ralph assumes his Father’s place at the table. In his own words, “That night [Mother] nodded to me, and I became a man.”
How many young men or ladies could fill a parent’s shoes in their family at the age of 11 or 12? Most couldn’t because instead of becoming young men and women, they become teenagers. What is the purpose of a teenager’s existence? What is the benefit of such a period of life? What good comes of it?
I believe that preparing our children for teenage years rather than young adulthood robs and blinds them. It robs them of the confidence and security that would come of knowing how to do a man or woman’s work, of knowing they make a material difference to their family, of the opportunity to learn and practice adult skills while there is still a safety net to catch them when they fall. It blinds them to the true sources of happiness and prosperity: personal integrity, hard work and responsibility.
We often hear of widespread teen angst and depression. So many teens today sense the meaninglessness of their lives. They combat this with drugs, sex, gangs, friends, and entertainment. There is a prevailing attitude in society that teens should have fun while they can because it’s all downhill once they become adults. Most of them aren’t having much fun now and they are told they have nothing better to look forward to. No wonder they are depressed!
Growing-up used to be something that children looked forward to. Growing-up used to mean something about the character of an individual rather than just their age. Growing up used to mean new freedoms coupled with responsibilities. Kids today are taught all about so-called freedoms that come with growing up but there is little talk of new responsibilities. And the so-called freedoms are not what our founding fathers meant when they established the land of the free and home of the brave. There is little talk about the right to vote, the right to pursue happiness through hard work, the right to speak and think freely. The responsibilities they should be preparing for are represented as evils they should free themselves from: family, home, church, and service. The mantra goes something like, “You don’t owe anybody anything. The world owes you.” And so they are encouraged to get an early start on experimenting with sex, drugs, financial irresponsibility and hedonistic living.
It was so refreshing to read about Ralph Moody’s experience growing up. This is what I want for my children. His parents, especially his father, taught him good, bad, right, wrong, true, and false. They taught him to work. They taught him about the importance of family relationships and responsibility. They helped him develop personal integrity and character. They gave him opportunities to practice in the safety of their care. Then, when it became necessary, Ralph was ready to become the man of the family. Rather than looking back on his childhood and feeling robbed of his “teenage” years, I’m sure Ralph felt deep satisfaction and gratitude for the way they helped him to become a man.
How many young men or ladies could fill a parent’s shoes in their family at the age of 11 or 12? Most couldn’t because instead of becoming young men and women, they become teenagers. What is the purpose of a teenager’s existence? What is the benefit of such a period of life? What good comes of it?
I believe that preparing our children for teenage years rather than young adulthood robs and blinds them. It robs them of the confidence and security that would come of knowing how to do a man or woman’s work, of knowing they make a material difference to their family, of the opportunity to learn and practice adult skills while there is still a safety net to catch them when they fall. It blinds them to the true sources of happiness and prosperity: personal integrity, hard work and responsibility.
We often hear of widespread teen angst and depression. So many teens today sense the meaninglessness of their lives. They combat this with drugs, sex, gangs, friends, and entertainment. There is a prevailing attitude in society that teens should have fun while they can because it’s all downhill once they become adults. Most of them aren’t having much fun now and they are told they have nothing better to look forward to. No wonder they are depressed!
Growing-up used to be something that children looked forward to. Growing-up used to mean something about the character of an individual rather than just their age. Growing up used to mean new freedoms coupled with responsibilities. Kids today are taught all about so-called freedoms that come with growing up but there is little talk of new responsibilities. And the so-called freedoms are not what our founding fathers meant when they established the land of the free and home of the brave. There is little talk about the right to vote, the right to pursue happiness through hard work, the right to speak and think freely. The responsibilities they should be preparing for are represented as evils they should free themselves from: family, home, church, and service. The mantra goes something like, “You don’t owe anybody anything. The world owes you.” And so they are encouraged to get an early start on experimenting with sex, drugs, financial irresponsibility and hedonistic living.
It was so refreshing to read about Ralph Moody’s experience growing up. This is what I want for my children. His parents, especially his father, taught him good, bad, right, wrong, true, and false. They taught him to work. They taught him about the importance of family relationships and responsibility. They helped him develop personal integrity and character. They gave him opportunities to practice in the safety of their care. Then, when it became necessary, Ralph was ready to become the man of the family. Rather than looking back on his childhood and feeling robbed of his “teenage” years, I’m sure Ralph felt deep satisfaction and gratitude for the way they helped him to become a man.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2023
I first read Little Britches as a preteen. Reading it again as an adult and a parent is a completely different experience. It’s one of those memoirs that are treated as children’s literature because it happens to describe the author’s life between the ages of eight and eleven, but I’d classify it more as an adult book that happens to work as a read-aloud for the whole family.
Moody describes his family’s experience trying to earn a living on a ranch in Colorado in the early 1900’s. They emigrated from the East in the hope of improving his father’s health, and discovered that their new property lacked the water supply needed to grow much of anything. Yet Moody’s parents stuck it out. Times were tough. Life required grit, patience, and courage. To the author, however, the chance to ride horses and work alongside grown men was pretty much the best thing ever.
The heart of this story is the relationship between the author and his father. It’s a beautifully told tribute to a man who handled his reckless boy with kindness, firmness, love, and wisdom -- and made a man of him. Moody shows us a father who was honest, hard-working, brave, persistent, resourceful, and self-sacrificing.
The beginning of the memoir may be especially jarring to modern sensibilities, what with the period approach to corporal punishment and physical fighting; but I hope readers will take that in context. In addition, at the start of the story, young Moody and his mother are frequently at odds. She wishes to protect and discipline him and he believes he can handle pretty much anything. As an adult, I can see that she herself was going through a tough transition. Interestingly, as Moody matures, the reader is shown more and more of his mother’s strength. It’s a subtle acknowledgement that a boy of eight or nine might require a little growing up before he learns to enjoy and admire his mother.
This author’s series of memoirs is sometimes called “The boys’ Little House books.” It describes a more rough-and-tumble life than that of Laura Ingalls and is written at a higher reading level, but the comparison is apt in one way: Both series show us a picture of values and expectations that have nearly vanished since the early twentieth century. Comparing modern moral innovations with the past is hugely important for anyone who wishes to see our own era in context (and anyone who wants an accurate sense of which parts of modern life are "normal," and which are unique to our own era). Because of that I’d argue that this book is an important one. You should read it.
Moody describes his family’s experience trying to earn a living on a ranch in Colorado in the early 1900’s. They emigrated from the East in the hope of improving his father’s health, and discovered that their new property lacked the water supply needed to grow much of anything. Yet Moody’s parents stuck it out. Times were tough. Life required grit, patience, and courage. To the author, however, the chance to ride horses and work alongside grown men was pretty much the best thing ever.
The heart of this story is the relationship between the author and his father. It’s a beautifully told tribute to a man who handled his reckless boy with kindness, firmness, love, and wisdom -- and made a man of him. Moody shows us a father who was honest, hard-working, brave, persistent, resourceful, and self-sacrificing.
The beginning of the memoir may be especially jarring to modern sensibilities, what with the period approach to corporal punishment and physical fighting; but I hope readers will take that in context. In addition, at the start of the story, young Moody and his mother are frequently at odds. She wishes to protect and discipline him and he believes he can handle pretty much anything. As an adult, I can see that she herself was going through a tough transition. Interestingly, as Moody matures, the reader is shown more and more of his mother’s strength. It’s a subtle acknowledgement that a boy of eight or nine might require a little growing up before he learns to enjoy and admire his mother.
This author’s series of memoirs is sometimes called “The boys’ Little House books.” It describes a more rough-and-tumble life than that of Laura Ingalls and is written at a higher reading level, but the comparison is apt in one way: Both series show us a picture of values and expectations that have nearly vanished since the early twentieth century. Comparing modern moral innovations with the past is hugely important for anyone who wishes to see our own era in context (and anyone who wants an accurate sense of which parts of modern life are "normal," and which are unique to our own era). Because of that I’d argue that this book is an important one. You should read it.
January 14, 2024
This was a fun listen! My husband and I did it together whenever we had longer car rides. We laughed quite a bit, enjoyed discussing some of the life lessons Father passes down to Ralph, and sharing the sentimental moments together.
A great family read-aloud but it’s also a good audio!
Ages: 8+
Content Considerations: “d*mn” and “h*ll” are used a decent amount. “G*dd*mn” might have been used once or twice. The children don’t always behave the best (sneak, lie, half truths etc.) and don’t always get caught/punished when they have done wrong. (Mother and Father don’t always agree on the behavior and/or whether it should have been punished either). Mentions drinking and alcohol. Ralph is given rum when he was cold/sick and he later pretends that he’s still sick so he can have more.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
A great family read-aloud but it’s also a good audio!
Ages: 8+
Content Considerations: “d*mn” and “h*ll” are used a decent amount. “G*dd*mn” might have been used once or twice. The children don’t always behave the best (sneak, lie, half truths etc.) and don’t always get caught/punished when they have done wrong. (Mother and Father don’t always agree on the behavior and/or whether it should have been punished either). Mentions drinking and alcohol. Ralph is given rum when he was cold/sick and he later pretends that he’s still sick so he can have more.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
February 13, 2008
This is first of a series of auto-biographies. I read the first one to see what all the fuss was about ("must-read classic") and plowed right through all of them. THey are:
Little Britches
Man of the Family
The Home Ranch
Mary Emma and Company
Fields of Home
Shaking the Nickel Bush
The Dry Divide
HOrse of a Different Color
I had a hard time getting through Fields of Home because of that tarnal fool of a Grandpa of his. I either wanted to knock him over the head, commit him to a group home or send them all the family counseling. That's the only book I didnt' finish, and I hear it has a good ending.
Life of a young boy through his teen years, loss of his father, working as a ranch hand.... But those words can't capture the wonderfulness of these books.
Little Britches
Man of the Family
The Home Ranch
Mary Emma and Company
Fields of Home
Shaking the Nickel Bush
The Dry Divide
HOrse of a Different Color
I had a hard time getting through Fields of Home because of that tarnal fool of a Grandpa of his. I either wanted to knock him over the head, commit him to a group home or send them all the family counseling. That's the only book I didnt' finish, and I hear it has a good ending.
Life of a young boy through his teen years, loss of his father, working as a ranch hand.... But those words can't capture the wonderfulness of these books.
February 10, 2011
My favorite quotes from the book:
"Always remember, Son, the best boss is the one who bosses the least. Whether it's cattle, or horses, or men; the least government is the best government (80)."
"Son, there are times a man has to do things he doesn't like to, in order to protect his family (120)."
"There are only two kinds of men in this world: Honest men and dishonest men. ...Any man who says the world owes him a living is dishonest. The same God that made you and me made this earth. And He planned it so that it would yield every single thing that the people on it need. But He was careful to plan it so that it would only yield up its wealth in exchange for the labor of man. Any man who tries to share in that wealth without contributing the work of his brain or his hands is dishonest (177)."
"A man's character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn't do but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame on the face of the earth."
"Always remember, Son, the best boss is the one who bosses the least. Whether it's cattle, or horses, or men; the least government is the best government (80)."
"Son, there are times a man has to do things he doesn't like to, in order to protect his family (120)."
"There are only two kinds of men in this world: Honest men and dishonest men. ...Any man who says the world owes him a living is dishonest. The same God that made you and me made this earth. And He planned it so that it would yield every single thing that the people on it need. But He was careful to plan it so that it would only yield up its wealth in exchange for the labor of man. Any man who tries to share in that wealth without contributing the work of his brain or his hands is dishonest (177)."
"A man's character is like his house. If he tears boards off his house and burns them to keep himself warm and comfortable, his house soon becomes a ruin. If he tells lies to be able to do the things he shouldn't do but wants to, his character will soon become a ruin. A man with a ruined character is a shame on the face of the earth."
February 21, 2015
Set from 1906-1908 in Colorado, this follows Ralph for a couple of years. He's quite the young man with quite the father, but that's not what made the book for me. It was the wonderful look into the world of that time. Not much more than a century ago & there were only a few cars in the story. Most work was done by horses. No antibiotics, indoor plumbing, or so many of the things we take for granted today. It's a great look at a small farm, too.
There's a great set of morals running through the story which makes it a great YA book. Written in 1950, they're of the "Leave It To Beaver" sort. Perhaps "Little House On the Prairie" or "The Waltons" might be closer. Ralph is pretty special, but he's a very typical boy in many ways. He makes his share of mistakes & learns from them with the help of his parents, especially his father. It's a bit sappy in places, but not too much. Pretty perfect read for the Xmas season.
Don't read the book descriptions for the next book, which does follow Ralph, until you've finished this one as it contains a big spoiler. I hate that. Looks like there are 8 books in the series. I think my library has them all, but I'm not in a rush to start the next immediately. I will continue them, though.
There's a great set of morals running through the story which makes it a great YA book. Written in 1950, they're of the "Leave It To Beaver" sort. Perhaps "Little House On the Prairie" or "The Waltons" might be closer. Ralph is pretty special, but he's a very typical boy in many ways. He makes his share of mistakes & learns from them with the help of his parents, especially his father. It's a bit sappy in places, but not too much. Pretty perfect read for the Xmas season.
Don't read the book descriptions for the next book, which does follow Ralph, until you've finished this one as it contains a big spoiler. I hate that. Looks like there are 8 books in the series. I think my library has them all, but I'm not in a rush to start the next immediately. I will continue them, though.
October 5, 2022
Everyone needs to read this book. The end.
May 5, 2016
I read this (~a chapter/week) aloud to three grandsons (ages 11, 7, 5) who are into horses and mini-farms. I've always considered this series a "Little House" for boys. {I believe both series work for both genders, but Laura appeals more to girls and Ralph more to boys.} The vocabulary and content were a stretch, especially for the younger boys. I paused often to explain words like "horseless carriage". Their interest flagged and flared.
As we finished today, I read through tears amidst a thick silence around the table. Hours later, one boy asked questions revealing his lingering interest. He also asked if I would read the next book in the series, which was an easy 'yes' since Man of the Family is my favorite.
But, evaluating the whole experience, I find myself reluctant to recommend this to all but the very bright reader. Borderline archaic. I hate saying that, but the difference between reading this to my sons twenty-five years ago and with my grandsons this year astonishes me. However, my memory may be flawed (25 years, you know). And having so much space between readings probably didn't help.
As we finished today, I read through tears amidst a thick silence around the table. Hours later, one boy asked questions revealing his lingering interest. He also asked if I would read the next book in the series, which was an easy 'yes' since Man of the Family is my favorite.
But, evaluating the whole experience, I find myself reluctant to recommend this to all but the very bright reader. Borderline archaic. I hate saying that, but the difference between reading this to my sons twenty-five years ago and with my grandsons this year astonishes me. However, my memory may be flawed (25 years, you know). And having so much space between readings probably didn't help.
March 26, 2012
Own.
What a fantastic book. Definitely one of the best reads our family has read together!
Ralph's family moves out west to Colorado on the advice of Cousin Phil to help Father's health. The family works together to learn and grow at ranching - the great independent American Dream.
Ralph learns lessons in character, honesty, and manhood from his father along the way.
It took both of us to get through the final, heart-wrenching chapter. This book ought to be read aloud to edit for coarse language.
We've already begun using some of the lessons Father taught Ralph - ideas like don't burn down your character house.
The children were perhaps a little young for this book and it will definitely be a book we revisit later. We intend to continue in the series.
Highly (highly!) recommended by parents and children. (M-girl has declared that this was her favorite read aloud).
What a fantastic book. Definitely one of the best reads our family has read together!
Ralph's family moves out west to Colorado on the advice of Cousin Phil to help Father's health. The family works together to learn and grow at ranching - the great independent American Dream.
Ralph learns lessons in character, honesty, and manhood from his father along the way.
It took both of us to get through the final, heart-wrenching chapter. This book ought to be read aloud to edit for coarse language.
We've already begun using some of the lessons Father taught Ralph - ideas like don't burn down your character house.
The children were perhaps a little young for this book and it will definitely be a book we revisit later. We intend to continue in the series.
Highly (highly!) recommended by parents and children. (M-girl has declared that this was her favorite read aloud).
April 14, 2024
➳ 3 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚
this was fine. a typical “prairie, rancher life” book. if you like that then go for it. i enjoyed it but it was nothing special and not my favorite genre 😌🎀
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
this was fine. a typical “prairie, rancher life” book. if you like that then go for it. i enjoyed it but it was nothing special and not my favorite genre 😌🎀
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆
August 23, 2013
I checked this book out from the library.... I definitely need to acquire this one for myself. It's one I would read again many times, as well as read to my children. I LOVED it! I love the simplicity of how the story is told through the eyes of an 8-year-old boy, and how he's able to portray such a vivid picture with his memories. I love the relationship between Ralph and his parents, but particularly his father. I love his father's wisdom (there are many parts I would underline if I had my own copy) and the gentle yet memorable ways he teaches him to be an honorable man. With both humor and sorrow, an unconquerable spirit, hard work, and faith - if only all families had such fortitude..... Such a good book!
May 31, 2017
Update 11/13 - Finished with kids. Still wonderful--if I can be as wise a parent as this father, my kids will be all right.
Wow! Great book - I read this the summer I graduated, along with every other book he wrote in this series that I could get my hands on (BYU's library didn't have them all, sadly). These books are autobiographical and describe a boy coming of age with his father at his side--a great book for anyone raising little boys! I loved the strong moral message of this book and the "work hard" aspect of everything he learned from his father. Definitely want to read this again for literature with my own kiddies someday!
Wow! Great book - I read this the summer I graduated, along with every other book he wrote in this series that I could get my hands on (BYU's library didn't have them all, sadly). These books are autobiographical and describe a boy coming of age with his father at his side--a great book for anyone raising little boys! I loved the strong moral message of this book and the "work hard" aspect of everything he learned from his father. Definitely want to read this again for literature with my own kiddies someday!
February 28, 2008
This book is the first in a whole series of biographies about the Moody family, who went west around 1908 to become farmers in Colorado. The story of young Ralph Moody, his interactions with his parents, his lively descriptions of neighbors, cowboys and other characters all make his set of biographical novels a pleasure from start to finish. I read these first as a child, but have kept a copy of all 8 books nearby to re-read on a regular basis. Try them out.... they are worth the time.
July 11, 2022
Family car read aloud. Recommend but there is some light language common among ranchers/cowboys. Nice to read a book where genders are properly represented and boys are allowed to get hurt as a result of being boys!
September 5, 2020
A sterling coming-of-age story of a boy and his strong relationship to his wise, good father. Looking forward to the sequels.
November 9, 2021
This was SO GOOD!!! We listened to the audio book as a family on a camping trip. We've enjoyed the Little House series and this is better for a bit more of a mature audience. Our youngest was 8 and she handled it OK. I was glad I didn't try to read aloud some of the chapters as I was choking back my tears.
January 7, 2009
Wonderful story!! My husband read it to the kids in summer of '08 then I read it myself that fall. I cried at the end of the story and loved the family relationships displayed in the book. Especially between Ralph and his dad. GREAT!!
January 20, 2022
The best children’s books are the ones adults love just as much. This was a fantastic read and a sad but perfect ending. I read this aloud, skipped or substituted the curse words.
July 11, 2022
Sweet family story. Some light language
November 30, 2021
Story of life out west on a farm told from a 9-10 year old boy’s perspective. It was a good eye opener for my kids to see what life was like 100 years ago for a family living on a small farm. There had to be lots of explaining along the way bc of all the horse/ranch/farm lingo that was used but it was still a good book to read with the kids.
August 27, 2019
I would put this book right up there with the Little House (Laura Ingalls Wilder) series. I will be reading this to Squirt. (It's hard to tell if a city kid who likes skateparks and swimming pools will get into a story about a boy on a ranch so long ago, but, on the other hand, what better way to show him what childhood used to be like?)
January 23, 2024
Read this with my 11 year old boy. Great fun
April 20, 2019
Left with a lot to think about on the subject of masculinity AND a lot of anxiety for the future. Lord, help me if I have a 9 year old boy this determined to learn the hard way!
February 7, 2020
I'm only sorry I hadn't read this before now! Excellent book!
May 25, 2020
This book is a treasure!
July 1, 2020
The kids and I loved this book (I think I loved it more than they did, but we all REALLY liked it). Fantastic story of 2 years on a Colorado ranch in the early 1900s. Wise without being preachy and lots of fun characters.
May 31, 2019
Eli: 5⭐️, Abby: 5⭐️, Grace: 5.5⭐️
What a phenomenal book. Such a moving story of love and loyalty, joy and sorrow, hard work and the benefits reaped from it. Truly a treasure of virtue. Father just might be one of my new favorite literary heroes.
Note: There is swearing in this book from neighbor ranchers, but it is not condoned. The Moody family speak in an honoring way.
What a phenomenal book. Such a moving story of love and loyalty, joy and sorrow, hard work and the benefits reaped from it. Truly a treasure of virtue. Father just might be one of my new favorite literary heroes.
Note: There is swearing in this book from neighbor ranchers, but it is not condoned. The Moody family speak in an honoring way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,454 reviews