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Reviews:

"EVERYONE LEARNS IN THIS ONE

Hard to believe a little slipknot could cause such a ruckus, but this one sure did. Ben was trying to be inventive when he lassoed a ground squirrel, but what happened next, well, let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.

Jan Young drops us into the action pretty quickly in this, her first novel. Hoofs are flying, fences are breaking, and the herd’s scattering and when the dust settles somebody’s gotta pay.

The cowboy way certainly allows for its share of fun but mostly it’s hard work and thinking ahead, not something Ben is that good at as his bunkhouse friends remind him. But his time to shine is coming.

With some words of encouragement from one of the cowhands he’s off on the first job he’s gotten by himself. He’s feeling pretty confident until weather starts to play a part and his money making scheme goes south. As it turns out that same weather gives him a chance to redeem himself.

When all is said and done he comes out with flying colors and newfound respect from not only his bunkhouse friends and his father, but the cow boss as well.

Jan Young takes a super story and gives us the behind the scene action so we can feel like we’re right there riding with Ben. Realizing not everyone has a cowboy for a dad or lives in the Great Basin area she’s added a glossary of terms that she uses in the book so we can “cowboy up” and learn the lingo."

- DONNA COOMER, BETWEEN THE LINES REVIEWS

"I enjoyed the local color and all that I learned, in the context of a compelling story, about ranch life and being a 'buckaroo'.

This grippping coming-of-age story combines vibrant local color with a backdrop of timeless and universal themes.

The young adults I teach will be sure to enjoy this book. It is a good read and carries a punch."

-Dr. Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, one of the most respected names in English education and in the teaching of reading, has authored or co-authored numerous books including "Reading Don't Fix No Chevys," a study of how boys engage with literacy. Professor of English Education, Director of Boise State Writing Project.

"This mid-grade book provides a first-hand view of what it’s like to grow up on a ranch in modern times. It also points out the reality of unintended consequences. Twelve-year-old Ben wants desperately to be seen as an adult and a real ranch hand. His problem is he wants that too badly—which leads him to constantly say and do the things that will get him seen in an opposite light—and in the process, almost causes his dad to almost lose his “Top Hand” job. Finally Ben gets his chance to prove himself, but will the ranch owner allow him that opportunity. Fortunately for the old rancher, Ben goes way beyond everyone’s expectations.

The author’s uncanny ability for character development probably stems from her background in the behavioral sciences. Her wide variety of writing experiences shows through in this, her first novel. We rated it four hearts."
Rating: 4 hearts
-Bob Spear, www.heartlandreviews.com