The Home Ranch

The Home Ranch was a good old fashioned read, and very refreshing in this day and age. Its about life in the 1900s and a boy's journey on his way to manhood, and about hard work, dedication and being true to yourself. I liked how realistic the book was in regards to horses. The author obviously has a love and a real working knowledge of these animals. I liked the way the boy related to Blue Boy, the horse he chose for himself, and how he took the animal's needs and fears into account when he worked with him. His quiet understanding of what the animal really needed, instead of just "breaking" him and forcing him to do what was obviously not his calling. Doing what needs to be done, not whining about it, and sucking it up, taking responsibility, no matter how rough things get is what this book is about. I enjoyed it very much, and would recommend it to anyone liking to read about adventure, ranch life, and its a special treat for anyone who loves horses!

Just so you know, if you've read Man of the Family, you'll recognize the first few pages of this book, as they repeat almost verbatim the pages from Man in which Ralph talks about his summer job. The Home Ranch is to Man of the Family as a detailed call out is to a map; there just wasn't room for all the details of this job in man, so he put it all in its own book.And what a book! Adventure abounds and Ralph learns some valuable lessons. I had to keep reminding myself that Ralph isn't just a fictional character and this story is the story of his life. It makes me sad to realize that the lifestyle described in this book is all but extinct.If you liked Little Britches and Man of the Family, you'll enjoy this one.

What a grand adventure for a 12 year-old boy to work in a real man's job, earning a real man's salary, working for a cattle rancher/trader Mr. Batchlet. Moody skillfully portrays the cast of characters who compose the ranch crew and the owner's daughter Hazel who is a commanding figure in the book and in Ralph's young heart.This is a never to be forgotten look at a old west that was rapidly changing and would soon be forever altered, but here it is preserved forever for our enjoyment and education.But is is more than an interesting story or an enlightening look at a historical time, it is a sotry that reads like a novel, and yet carries the authority of truth while embodying timeless values and demonstrating how character is formed and maintained.A delight for the whole family and as with nearly all of Ralph Moody's books it retains the read-a-loud quality that makes these stories so treasured among those who still read in the family circle.

We are reading through this series this year and we all love these books. I have 4 kids 15-7 and they all love to listen to me read aloud the stories of Little Britches.

I first read this series of books when I was about 10-12 years old. I'm now 62 and am enjoying them as much now as I did then.

I am a raving fan of the Ralph Moody books. This one is a great part of the series. It goes more in depth about his life and some of the adventures he had. Since it is all Non-Fiction it really is interesting to consider all that he did. Life is quite different now for most people and he has a good way of taking you back. I do recommend reading the other books in the series as well to get the full view of Ralph.

My husband and son (6years old) are reading his book at bedtime. They have read all the books in the series so far. I get to listen in and read when my husband is not home. I think he looks forward to reading these as much as my son. Here's what I'm getting as an outsider...Pros:Well written, about authors life as a boyLots of life lessons (especially about hard work)Good next step after Laura ingalls seriesEnjoyable to read out loudCons:NoneBe warned some of the issues covered in the book are deep and tough and lots over my six year olds head. But the book is wholesome and he (we) is completely enjoying it nonetheless. Start with " Father and I Were Ranchers" and enjoy the series all the way through.

If you’ve read the series this far then you’ve probably enjoyed it. The characters are developing and growing so don’t stop grab the next book in the series. You won’t be sorry if you do.

A favorite book for our children.