A Kind of Courage

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How would you describe someone snarling at you to back off while you protect your little sister? I thought it was a very clear, positive depiction of someone protecting his family. I don't know if saying "bared his teeth like a dog" would have conveyed the same strength. I also didn't know that Native Americans have a negative view of the wolf. Instead I thought they are usually depicted together because they convey a spirit that is free.

Some Kind of Courage

I thought warriors liked to be called as a wolf or having a wolf spirit. It was high praise, meaning you had courage, power, patience and a strong family bond. Has that changed recently? As we move into chapter seven When Joseph and the boy scuffle, Joseph thinks that he's in the grip of "an actual, real-life Indian" and he worries that he's going to get scalped. Is it realistic for him to think that way? However a worry for someone is still different than stating this as a fact. He didn't say "oh I heard that Indians do this all the time", instead he was concerned about his safety.

You may worry a spider will bite you.

Is that saying all spiders bite? A worry or a fear is just that, not always based in truth or fact. It is simply your emotional state at that moment. However in a page book that has many negative references to Whites, Asians I can certainly understand wanting to do away with prejudices, however balance is needed. Sometimes we can be so ready to see the hurt we don't see the good. I thought it strange that although there were many good references to Native Americans that were either positive or neutral, you only saw a few.

Maybe because Native Americans were treated as just "normal people", you may have missed those lines? For sure everyone wants their culture to be spoken of positively, however a win can also be if you are a "regular" person because that means you are being accepted as who you are. Personally I walked away from the book feeling very positive towards other cultures.

They referred back to your review. Overall I really enjoyed this and can't wait to see what's next for Dan Gemeinhart! View all 6 comments. Oct 20, Colby Sharp rated it it was amazing Shelves: Gemeinhart had for us with book 2. I'm beginning to think that kids today will look at Dan's work like my generation looks at Gary Paulsen's.

Oct 10, Joyce Yattoni rated it it was amazing. Okay, I know I should have been grading, but when you begin a Dan Gemeinhart book, it is really difficult to put down. This book is also for the Hatchet fans and Alabama Moon readers.

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I also see my dormant readers enjoying this story. What's not to like? Set in at the end of the Westward Expansion Joseph has lost everything. His Dad from a wagon accide Okay, I know I should have been grading, but when you begin a Dan Gemeinhart book, it is really difficult to put down. His Dad from a wagon accident and his Mom and sister die from Typhoid.

His horse is unexpectedly sold. As a result he sets out to find her. This is a story of family bonds, empathy, knowing right from wrong and being a positive influence in a society that is just learning how to be civil with one another. Along the way the reader will be astounded by the maturity Joseph shows in getting out of some pretty scary predicaments as he trails his horse through the Cascade Mountains. Through this story the reader will learn what it means to respect and honor people of all walks of life. Especially important today when society is quick to condemn people who are different.

Oct 29, Mary Lee rated it it was amazing Shelves: Don't tell my students that I finished this book ahead of our read aloud schedule. But it's a good thing I did. If you needed tissues for The Honest Truth, get two packs for this one. I'm sure I'll still cry reading aloud the last few chapters, but at least I might be able to do it without sobbing now. Reading this book aloud right after finishing The Honest Truth has been magical.

My students have made so many comparisons between the two books, and you should have heard the collective gasp when Don't tell my students that I finished this book ahead of our read aloud schedule. My students have made so many comparisons between the two books, and you should have heard the collective gasp when we came across the title of the book in the story. Dan Gemeinhart is a master of suspense woven with Truth woven with humor. I'm hoping he has lots more books waiting in his heart and mind. Feb 03, Kelsi rated it it was amazing Shelves: His mother, his sister, his father, and now his beloved horse, who's all he has left.

But, unlike his family, he can get her back. With surprising grit and determination, Joseph sets out after her, along with a Chinese boy with his own mission, these two trek countless miles through the wilderness, facing bears, Indians, and dangerous men, all trying to find the only thing that will complete their h God, this book. With surprising grit and determination, Joseph sets out after her, along with a Chinese boy with his own mission, these two trek countless miles through the wilderness, facing bears, Indians, and dangerous men, all trying to find the only thing that will complete their hearts: Told in Joseph's voice that's real to the time, these is an adventure of epic proportions that will have readers turning the pages until the end.

I really enjoyed this story. Joseph's grief felt real to me, and I can definitely understand how much his horse means to him. I own horses myself, and I'd do the very same thing if someone took my girl away. This author has talent. Not only is he able to describe the location brilliantly, he also knows how to make the reader feel exactly what the characters were feeling.

I could feel Joseph's desperation to get his horse back, his anger at the men who took her, his angst at another disappointment, it was all very real. Not only could I feel what Joseph was feeling, but also Ah-Kee. This story will keep you guessing. With twists and turns that you didn't see coming, you won't be able to turn the pages fast enough. Above all that I find great about this story, is it's memorable. If you follow my reviews, you'll notice me mentioning about this.

BEST MIDDLE-GRADE HISTORICAL FICTION OF 2016:

For me, the biggest thing for me about a book is it being memorable. That I will remember the characters long after I've read the book, and it'll make me want to come back to it. You will never forget this story and its characters, I can guarantee that. All in all, amazing book that will definitely be reread for the years to come! May 15, Kristen rated it really liked it Shelves: I loved The Honest Truth , but I wasn't super excited for this one because the two genres it falls under historical and adventure are not usually ones that I gravitate to.

I thought I would try the audio version and am glad I did--it was great. The story is full of non-stop action and lots of emotion. Even if I wasn't 7 months pregnant I would have been reaching for the tissues I recommend you keep some nearby. Joseph meets so many interesting characters on his journey to find his only remaini I loved The Honest Truth , but I wasn't super excited for this one because the two genres it falls under historical and adventure are not usually ones that I gravitate to. Joseph meets so many interesting characters on his journey to find his only remaining family member--his horse, Sarah--and there's a theme of what exactly things like "home" and "family" mean.

It reads a little outlandish at times, and can also get a bit cheesy, but for me the strengths definitely outweighed any shortcomings. Aug 30, Samantha rated it it was ok. The plot of the book is fine. I can see a lot of kids relating to the adventure, of a boy who has lost everything going after the one thing he has left.

I am left uncomfortable by the multicultural aspects of this book. I think that, at this point in time, if you are in children's literature and just going to use the term "Indian" without naming a tribe, then you're not doing enough. There is enough backlash and blogs to let you know that's not cool. If it had just been the pony, I think I would The plot of the book is fine. If it had just been the pony, I think I would have been fine. However, I am skeptical that he wouldn't know a tribal name. Ah-Kee also left me uneasy, but I would be willing to concede that point if someone familiar with Chinese-Americans said it was fine.

Set in Washington, 12 year old Joseph Johnson has nearly lost everything. His mother and sister to typhoid and his pa to an unexpected wagon accident. He still has his horse, Sarah, until one day he returns to his caregivers home only to find that his pony was sold.

This is the epic tale of Joseph's pursuit in finding and getting Sarah back. Having to forge his way though the rough terrain of the Cascade Mountains, facing harsh weather and the dangers of others, the kindness of a Chinese bo Set in Washington, 12 year old Joseph Johnson has nearly lost everything. Having to forge his way though the rough terrain of the Cascade Mountains, facing harsh weather and the dangers of others, the kindness of a Chinese boy Ah-kee, and the unstoppable love he has for his horse.

For those who are fond of Gary Paulson, you will certainly enjoy this saga. This is one not to be missed. View all 4 comments. I did not like this because it dragged on for such a long time that I had no interest. I did not care what happened to the characters at all, I thought there was something unlikable about pretty much all of them. Some of the plot literally had no point and it just made me frustrated that the book was STILL going on.

The main character, Joseph, was trying to get his horse Sarah back after it was sold but it kept just getting passed from person to person and he kept chasing it for SO LONG. I'm pre I did not like this because it dragged on for such a long time that I had no interest. I'm pretty sure that they could have cut out a hundred pages and it would still be boring. The ending was TOO perfect. It was not realistic, because after what happened I think it should not have turned out that way.

Aug 06, Leni rated it it was amazing Shelves: Even more than "The Honest Truth". Feb 13, Patrick rated it it was amazing Shelves: This story has it all. Oct 17, Michelle Glatt rated it it was amazing Shelves: Things I am not a huge fan of: Horse books Historical fiction Thing I am a huge fan of: I cheered Joseph on through his journey, gasped when he was in peril, and smiled when he was helped by or gave help to someone else. Excellent middle grade literature. Apr 11, Mary rated it it was amazing Shelves: This is a fast paced action adventure set in the American West.

Joseph has lost much in the past year, but when he also loses his horse, he is determined to get his beloved Sarah back. Gemeinhart's new middle grade novel is a hero quest and along the way Joseph must use every life lesson his parents have taught him to cope with the obstacles on his journey. He has to make some hard choices, and meets some incredible people, but with each encounter he shows strength, determination and courage. An This is a fast paced action adventure set in the American West.

An inspiring story that will keep readers on the edge of their seat. Give this to Gary Paulsen fans looking for the next adventure. Mar 15, Kim rated it really liked it. We completely enjoyed reading this adventure filled book together. The main character, Joseph, is a determined boy with excellent values. The best part for me was how my son fully recognized Joseph's admirable qualities and we had a great post-read conversation together.

Jul 03, Rachel rated it liked it. I nominate this, the hands down, best book to listen to with a group of boys, in the summer, on a roundtrip. It's Louis Lamour, for kids! Mar 05, Vicki rated it it was amazing Shelves: I can't believe I loved this middle school book designed for year old children so much! I chose this book because I love the cover and I needed a book with a title that didn't go horizontal for a challenge.

As soon as I finished it I purchased it for my two granddaughters, ages 9 and The 14 year old takes horseback riding lessons and works for her lessons every Saturday. I know they will both connect, even though the book is designed more for my 9 year old. The story fol Wow!

The story follows and orphan named Joseph whose horse was sold by the man who is now supposed to be taking care of him, and Joseph sets out on a journey to find "[his] Sarah," no matter what it takes. I am an emotional basket-case right now because this story completely tore at my heart over and over and over again. This is in True Grit style, I guess you could say. It's during the day of cowboy and Indians. And Joseph took off on his own with nothing but a gun really, not even a horse. He didn't care because he was after the ONE thing he had: Along the way he found an unlikely friend, encountered a Grizzly and what an exciting scene , horse race competitions, white waters, killing, and just a book that will tug at your heartstrings.

I don't care that it is easy to read, uncomplicated, geared toward a younger audience, it is an amazing book with a story that will stay with you a very, very long time, if not forever as I believe it will with me! It's truly quality throughout! I just followed you on Amazon. LOL Thank you so much for writing this. I can't wait for my granddaughters to read it. Read this book and share it!!!

I'm a grandmother and recently retired school teacher, and I am going to make sure my ex-colleagues know about this book, even though I taught high school. This would be a good book for reluctant readers of ANY age. Young and old er!

Raves & reviews:

Feb 26, Raina rated it really liked it Shelves: I am not generally a fan of Westerns. At least, that's what I've got in my head. This was amazing and fantastic. It made me cry. Plus, I loved the portrayal of eastern Washington. The book shows you what the landscape of Wenatchee to Ellensburg to Walla Walla was like in the s. The writing is really great. The only things that gives me a measure of ambivalence were the depictions of native tribes and Ah-Kee, the Ch I am not generally a fan of Westerns. The only things that gives me a measure of ambivalence were the depictions of native tribes and Ah-Kee, the Chinese "sidekick.

I took this book out to local middle schools in January Apr 21, Kellee rated it it was amazing Shelves: This book made me cry with sadness and happiness! It is so good! It is some kind of book! And the audiobook was perfect. Oct 01, Janice rated it it was amazing.

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Mar 01, Terris rated it really liked it Shelves: I only read it because our book club is reading it to be a part of the community read. When I started it, I didn't expect to like it very much. But as I got into the story, I started to really enjoy the characters and the author's "down home" writing style. The main character, Joseph, is an orphan, in the west, sometime around the Civil War era.

And the man who is his guardian has just sold Joseph's horse, Sarah, who is the only "family" that he has left. So Joseph sets out, on what turns out to be a very exciting adventure, to get his horse back. And I think he learns a lot along the way. It is a very easy, quick read, and I am anxious to discuss it at my book club, and also talk to some students in town about what they thought of this book I also think it would make a good movie! View all 3 comments. Aug 04, Saowbia Ever the Reader rated it really liked it.

I have a review, which was my very first review and it is very embarrassing, you can read it, but I wouldn't recommend it. Anyway, I'm still amazed at how he managed to create a beautiful coming of age story. It became one of my favorites of last year, so I was eagerly anticipating his next book.

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