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Old Ramon
A wise old shepherd teaches a young boy lessons about survival, bravery, wisdom, and friendship as he shows him how to care for a flock of sheep in the harsh Mojave Desert
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 1959
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About the author
Jack Schaefer
72 books100 followersSchaefer was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of an attorney. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1929 with a major in English. He attended graduate school at Columbia University from 1929-30, but left without completing his Master of Arts degree. He then went to work for the United Press. In his long career as a journalist, he would hold editorial positions at many eastern publications.
Schaefer's first success as a novelist came in 1949 with his memorable novel Shane, set in Wyoming. Few realized that Schaefer himself had never been anywhere near the west. Nevertheless, he continued writing successful westerns, selling his home in Connecticut and moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1955.
In 1975 Schaefer received the Western Literature Association's Distinguished Achievement award.
He died of heart failure in Santa Fe in 1991. Schaefer was married twice, his second wife moving to Santa Fe with him.
Schaefer's novel Monte Walsh was made into a movie in 1970, with Lee Marvin in the title role, and again in 2003 as a TV movie starring Tom Selleck. Shane was also made into a movie and a series.
from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Sch...
Schaefer's first success as a novelist came in 1949 with his memorable novel Shane, set in Wyoming. Few realized that Schaefer himself had never been anywhere near the west. Nevertheless, he continued writing successful westerns, selling his home in Connecticut and moving to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1955.
In 1975 Schaefer received the Western Literature Association's Distinguished Achievement award.
He died of heart failure in Santa Fe in 1991. Schaefer was married twice, his second wife moving to Santa Fe with him.
Schaefer's novel Monte Walsh was made into a movie in 1970, with Lee Marvin in the title role, and again in 2003 as a TV movie starring Tom Selleck. Shane was also made into a movie and a series.
from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Sch...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 8, 2015
Every so often, I read a children's book, just because. This one has been in my shelf for a while, snagged at a used-book store out of my love for Shane and Monte Walsh. The rhythmic, running-on voice of Jack Schaefer is immediately recognizable in this little story. He uses repetition of words and phrases to create a rugged poetry and he manages to stir emotion for the Old West in a carefully placed adjective here and there, like the "brave" circle of light from Ramon and the boy's fire.
This doesn't feel like a children's book, really. It's a timeless book, a hundred pages of gently rolling prose that tells of another time and leaves much unsaid. The setting is, of course, a main strength; but so are the conversations and relationship between Ramon and the boy and their dogs, the wisdom and stories Ramon imparts to the boy (I was reminded a bit of Santiago and Manolin, though that old man is alone with his sea for much of the book). I might not have had the patience for this book as a middle-grade reader; but of the obscure Newbery Honor books, this one is worth picking up. A gem with subdued yet lasting shine.
This doesn't feel like a children's book, really. It's a timeless book, a hundred pages of gently rolling prose that tells of another time and leaves much unsaid. The setting is, of course, a main strength; but so are the conversations and relationship between Ramon and the boy and their dogs, the wisdom and stories Ramon imparts to the boy (I was reminded a bit of Santiago and Manolin, though that old man is alone with his sea for much of the book). I might not have had the patience for this book as a middle-grade reader; but of the obscure Newbery Honor books, this one is worth picking up. A gem with subdued yet lasting shine.
August 17, 2019
Newbery Honors 1961
This is a wonderful story of friendship between an old sheep herder and the son of his employer. The boy is sent by his father to learn a different kind of knowledge, one that cannot be taught from books. Old Ramon becomes his mentor and friend as the boy learns the ways of the land and the sheep.
As with any good Western there is a mythical, eternal quality to the story. The land itself functions as a character and shapes the people. Old Ramon has become so much part of the land that he physically resembles it. The boy is not given a name, for the apprentice-teacher relationship moves endlessly from generation to generation like the rhythm of the seasons. The novel seemingly ends rather abruptly, but then, from the perspective of the land these two characters are only a snapshot. The boy has learned many lessons and has become part of the eternal rhythms of the land.
Old Ramon is also a Christ figure. The name Ramon means both counselor and protector. "Old" Ramon implies he is wise. One could say he is the personification of a wise guardian. So like the boy, he really has no name. The Wise Guardian, the Pastore, eternally watches over His flock. At times, when they are on the right path, He follows. When they need guidance, He is out front to lead them. "Genlty. Always gently."
This is a wonderful story of friendship between an old sheep herder and the son of his employer. The boy is sent by his father to learn a different kind of knowledge, one that cannot be taught from books. Old Ramon becomes his mentor and friend as the boy learns the ways of the land and the sheep.
As with any good Western there is a mythical, eternal quality to the story. The land itself functions as a character and shapes the people. Old Ramon has become so much part of the land that he physically resembles it. The boy is not given a name, for the apprentice-teacher relationship moves endlessly from generation to generation like the rhythm of the seasons. The novel seemingly ends rather abruptly, but then, from the perspective of the land these two characters are only a snapshot. The boy has learned many lessons and has become part of the eternal rhythms of the land.
Old Ramon is also a Christ figure. The name Ramon means both counselor and protector. "Old" Ramon implies he is wise. One could say he is the personification of a wise guardian. So like the boy, he really has no name. The Wise Guardian, the Pastore, eternally watches over His flock. At times, when they are on the right path, He follows. When they need guidance, He is out front to lead them. "Genlty. Always gently."
March 21, 2020
A boy is sent to help “Old Ramon,” one of his father’s shepherds, tend the sheep. He is supposed to learn from Ramon--and he does. This is a gentle, wise, brief little novel. It’s hard to find good fiction that portrays different generations working together and learning from each other in a realistic way, but this one hits the spot. I also appreciate the unstated assumption that learning to cope with struggles and challenges is more important than avoiding adversity. The book is aimed at Middle Grade readers, but I think most adults would enjoy it also.
Lately I’ve seen too many MG books for boys that are clearly written by women trying to tell boys what to think and feel--books that don’t quite manage to create a convincing male protagonist. This book has a much more masculine tone.
The ending is fairly abrupt (especially since most MG novels provide a very thorough wrap-up). It must have something to do with the author’s style, because I have a vague childhood memory of reading Shane, his more famous Western, and being a little upset that it “had no ending.” Someday I should try that one again and see if it feels more complete from an adult perspective.
A lovely read.
Lately I’ve seen too many MG books for boys that are clearly written by women trying to tell boys what to think and feel--books that don’t quite manage to create a convincing male protagonist. This book has a much more masculine tone.
The ending is fairly abrupt (especially since most MG novels provide a very thorough wrap-up). It must have something to do with the author’s style, because I have a vague childhood memory of reading Shane, his more famous Western, and being a little upset that it “had no ending.” Someday I should try that one again and see if it feels more complete from an adult perspective.
A lovely read.
July 16, 2015
KIRKUS REVIEW
For the young reader the combination of an old man, a boy, and a dog are almost irresistible, particularly when the old man is as wise and gentle as Old Ramon. In this story of a boy's apprenticeship with Ramon the shepherd, a dog is given as a present to the boy. When the dog dies protecting the flock against a wolf, he is grieved, but Ramon softens his loss with the promise of a new pet and the assurance that the dead animal has died valiantly. Basically the plot of this story consists of not much more than Ramon's reminiscences and an account of the journey with the sheep, southwest toward the Mexican grazing lands. But it is account told with dignity and simple strength, a tale which will win the reader with its convincing depiction of a pastoral life and its tender portrayal of a natural and abiding friendship.
Pub Date: April 6th, 1960
Publisher: Houghton, Mifflin
March 4, 2020
A coming-of-age story about a boy who spends a summer with a sheep flock and the old man who tends them, learning about friendship and life.
Meh. I think my Newbery Books about Boys Shepherding in the Wilderness compartment is chockablock full at this point.
Meh. I think my Newbery Books about Boys Shepherding in the Wilderness compartment is chockablock full at this point.
February 7, 2020
This is a short, wonderful book. I picked it up on a whim because I love Jack Schaefer's book Shane and was surprised to see he'd written for kids too. And it's a Newbery Honor Book, at that! I'm so surprised I'd never heard of it before, especially since I soaked up dog books when I was a kid.
A boy accompanies an aging shepherd named Ramon on a sheep drive, taking sheep to green pastures far away. The sheep belong to the boy's father, Ramon's patron, who wants the boy to learn from Ramon because he spends too much time reading books and not enough out experiencing real life. Ramon has two dogs with him, one as wise in the ways of shepherding as Ramon himself, and the other young and still learning.
Together, the old man, the boy, and the dogs face many dangers: sand storms, wolves, heat, thirst. The boy learns much from Ramon about not just tending sheep, but about life, how to love others, and what it means to take on responsibilities. This book is very short, just a hundred pages, but it packs so much wisdom and beauty into those pages! I loved it.
A boy accompanies an aging shepherd named Ramon on a sheep drive, taking sheep to green pastures far away. The sheep belong to the boy's father, Ramon's patron, who wants the boy to learn from Ramon because he spends too much time reading books and not enough out experiencing real life. Ramon has two dogs with him, one as wise in the ways of shepherding as Ramon himself, and the other young and still learning.
Together, the old man, the boy, and the dogs face many dangers: sand storms, wolves, heat, thirst. The boy learns much from Ramon about not just tending sheep, but about life, how to love others, and what it means to take on responsibilities. This book is very short, just a hundred pages, but it packs so much wisdom and beauty into those pages! I loved it.
June 30, 2010
Well, this was a nice story as far as it went. It seemed to end abruptly and have no point. A young boy, the sheepowner's son, makes a journey with Old Ramon, the sheepherder, to bring the flock to their summer pasture. I guess this was supposed to be a coming-of-age story, but it seemed to just fizzle out. I did enjoy the way Schaefer depicted Old Ramon's speech, but I couldn't tell from it whether Old Ramon was Hispanic, as his name suggests, or Native American, or both. I can't imagine why this was a 1961 Newbery honor book. I was also annoyed with the cover illustrator for the Troll Associates paperback. It shows 2 dogs on the cover, both brown, when in the story, one dog is black. I hate it when illustrators don't read the book!
December 26, 2008
3 1/2. Cute story. I liked it. Gotta love lopsided fire breathing bulls...
July 2, 2025
3.5 Stars
1960 Newberry Honor book
Depicts ranch life/shepherding lessons in the Mojave Desert.
Some language/phrases are out-moded, but it still stands up today as far as an example of the importance of hands-on learning
1960 Newberry Honor book
Depicts ranch life/shepherding lessons in the Mojave Desert.
Some language/phrases are out-moded, but it still stands up today as far as an example of the importance of hands-on learning
Read
August 17, 2019Thinking about this. Read for Newbery Club in Children's books so I have comments there, and others have wonderful things to say, too. I recommend it, esp. to those boys who aren't given enough credit for how smart they are, just because they may face obstacles to doing more reading. Themes of manhood, courage, honor, etc., plus some adventure, and no wasted words or pages.
April 1, 2015
The story is very good, but I did not like reading the book. I found that there were several words that I did not understand which made it difficult.
This is a story about a young boy, Pedro, who is sent out into the desert with an old sheep herder named Old Ramon. Pedro's father thinks that it is very important for his son to learn about the family business from the ground up. As Pedro and Old Ramon spend time together tending the sheep, young Pedro learns a lot more from the old man about life, responsibility and becoming a man. For example, Pedro learns about the importance of keeping the sheep herded together. At one point in the story the some of the sheep wander off and one of Old Ramon's dogs finds the sheep, stays with them until help arrives. If the dog had not been there, the sheep could have been killed by wild wolves.
The book does not tell us exactly when and where the story takes place. After reading it, I imagine it is a story from a long time ago; perhaps 50 years ago. As I read the story, I picture it taking place in the desert in Mexico where there are many ranches similar to the one Pedro's father owns.
I would recommend this book to middle school students, they will find it easy to read, but in my opinion it is too difficult for elementary students.
This is a story about a young boy, Pedro, who is sent out into the desert with an old sheep herder named Old Ramon. Pedro's father thinks that it is very important for his son to learn about the family business from the ground up. As Pedro and Old Ramon spend time together tending the sheep, young Pedro learns a lot more from the old man about life, responsibility and becoming a man. For example, Pedro learns about the importance of keeping the sheep herded together. At one point in the story the some of the sheep wander off and one of Old Ramon's dogs finds the sheep, stays with them until help arrives. If the dog had not been there, the sheep could have been killed by wild wolves.
The book does not tell us exactly when and where the story takes place. After reading it, I imagine it is a story from a long time ago; perhaps 50 years ago. As I read the story, I picture it taking place in the desert in Mexico where there are many ranches similar to the one Pedro's father owns.
I would recommend this book to middle school students, they will find it easy to read, but in my opinion it is too difficult for elementary students.
October 13, 2016
This is a story about an old sheep herder who is taking a young boy out to care for the flock in the summer for the first time. It tells of lessons learned, crossing a stream, finding water, dealing with the coyote and the wolf, and dealing with death and the trading of a sheep dog.
I found this book to be very random in the parts that make it up, and it didn't seem that there was an overall theme or purpose at times. I suppose it would just be the growing up and lessons learned by the boy.
I might have this book as a reader in my class, but honestly, it is sort of old and I wouldn't think many would choose to read it. It is a Newbery honor book, and that fact alone may cause someone to want to read it. Also, I might could see a boy who loved or trained dogs show interest in this book.
I found this book to be very random in the parts that make it up, and it didn't seem that there was an overall theme or purpose at times. I suppose it would just be the growing up and lessons learned by the boy.
I might have this book as a reader in my class, but honestly, it is sort of old and I wouldn't think many would choose to read it. It is a Newbery honor book, and that fact alone may cause someone to want to read it. Also, I might could see a boy who loved or trained dogs show interest in this book.
April 30, 2018
This was somewhat bland for me. As it turns out, I very recently read another older Newbery honor book that portrays the experience of shepherding, but while The Loner tells a story that holds lessons within, this one just reads like one lecture after another.
On the pro side, it's nice to see an ethnic character written about in 1960 without any patronizing tones sneaking in!
On the pro side, it's nice to see an ethnic character written about in 1960 without any patronizing tones sneaking in!
July 8, 2022
A quick sketch of an old shepherd and his old dog imparting wisdom on a young boy and a young dog during a sheep drive. It gave me the feeling of Lonesome Dove if it were written by Mitch Albom (author of Tuesdays with Morrie).
Someone said it was a young adult novel (presumably for it's easy language and brevity), but I found this in the adult fiction section of the library and felt that it sided more with Old Ramon's perspectives than the unnamed boy. It's a quick read, slow plot, but it made me cry at the end. It sneaks up on you. I suppose I could see my son reading this novel, but the plot would be too slow for him, and it does end rather abruptly, so I'm not sure he would enjoy it.
I enjoyed it though. 4.5 stars.
Someone said it was a young adult novel (presumably for it's easy language and brevity), but I found this in the adult fiction section of the library and felt that it sided more with Old Ramon's perspectives than the unnamed boy. It's a quick read, slow plot, but it made me cry at the end. It sneaks up on you. I suppose I could see my son reading this novel, but the plot would be too slow for him, and it does end rather abruptly, so I'm not sure he would enjoy it.
I enjoyed it though. 4.5 stars.
August 18, 2020
5 stars. This is a wonderful book, beautiful, wise, and brutal. A boy (teenager?) is accompanying an old shepherd (Ramon) at the behest of his father (the son of the herder's original patron) in order to learn the things not contained in books. In the first chapter the boy corrects Ramon who has just told him that sheep are the stupidest of animals; the boy says that chickens are stupider and the books he's read say that they're animals. Ramon disagrees (they're birds which are a separate kind of animal) and thus begins his instruction. As they herd the sheep to higher, greener pastures, they're helped by the brown dog, Pedro, and somewhat hindered by the young, black dog Sancho. Yes, this is a dog book too, and it's one of those dog books. The boy (never named) learns about sheep, loyalty, and the love of dogs as he travels with Ramon. I read this for my Reading Challenge (Bingo 2020 "setting vital to plot") and my Newbery Challenge (Honor 1961). I read this via Open Library/Internet Library due to the Covid 19 pandemic and library closures.
August 21, 2020
I don't know why this one doesn't have more love. It's a simple little tale about a young boy having to herd the sheep with the old shepherd to learn the family business.
Having just read another dog book, what would have been AWESOME is if the author had written every other chapter from Pedro's (I think Pedro, the older dog) perspective paralleling the same lessons to the younger dog that the young boy was receiving from Old Ramon.
Having just read another dog book, what would have been AWESOME is if the author had written every other chapter from Pedro's (I think Pedro, the older dog) perspective paralleling the same lessons to the younger dog that the young boy was receiving from Old Ramon.
April 19, 2022
I read this book for book club. It is a coming of age story about how book smarts still need street smarts to survive in the world. It is a simple read that I would compare to The Old Man and the Sea but a Southwestern version. I enjoyed that we got a mature character and an inexperienced character and that knowledge will be passed down. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys hearing storytelling within books that build characters and set the scene for who they are.
August 3, 2022
This book is very deep. It spoke deeply to my soul. If we would only care for one another the way the pastor cares for his sheep! If I can only care for my students and know the dangers ahead and know the hazards around the corner. Oh, if I could care for my students the way Ramon cared for his sheep! If someone would care for me that way!
October 15, 2023
3.5, but just can't quite round up for the star rating. This is a quiet book, a little too wordy for me in the first chapter, but fewer adjectives and more story as the book continued. This is a literal pastoral, as a boy is sent to take the sheep with Old Ramon, and learns much of sheep, dogs, the desert, and life.
February 23, 2024
This is a Newbery Honor book. I loved this story of a young boy who spent time with Old Ramon learning how to be a shepherd. Ramon gives advice throughout the book on what to do and how to do it. While I loved this book because of time I've spent on a farm, I imagine that most people would find the book slow.
January 27, 2021
A thought-provoking story about growing up, mentorship, and appreciating knowledge not found in books, but learned from experiences.
May 1, 2023
A charming little book with a too-abrupt ending and nothing really to give it more than 3 stars.
April 21, 2024
Read this at least 20 years ago. Homily this morning reminded me.
Currently reading
May 8, 2020Ramon told the boy that you cannot know or use everything in a book. He also said, you need to use the tools around you in the real world.
September 6, 2011
There are actually only two human characters in this book, but the evocative and deeply felt storytelling of Ramon about the people who have been most important in his life sure makes it feel like more. Old Ramon is the story of an old sheep herder named Ramon and the young son of the patrón for whom he works. The boy has been receiving the benefits of a modern education in a conventional school, a luxury that Ramon never had when he was growing up, yet the boy's father makes a point of of sending his son on a shepherding trip with Ramon as a way of expanding the scope of the boy's education. On the ensuing trip, the patrón's son learns many things about the world, things that could never be adequately expounded upon in textbooks.
As we follow the expedition and listen along with the boy to what wise Ramon has to say, we learn more than just the specifics of what it means to be a good, thoughtful herder of sheep. For a man who has never read a single sentence in print, Ramon has absorbed an awful lot of experiential knowledge about the world. Some of it is pleasant and cheerful, while other lessons that the old man has learned are bitter, and marred by mistakes and regret. As Ramon watches over his sheep, his two dogs and the patrón's young son on the rustic trail, we get the opportunity to drink from a stream of wisdom as it flows from a man who intimately knows the truths that he has to impart.
Old Ramon is such a slight volume that it's hard to compose a book review for it of any substantial length. I could pick out specific ideas expressed within the narrative and unpack them more fully as tangible demonstrations of the book's merit, but for some reason that's more difficult to do with this book than it is with most others. The story is a very nice one, though, with much of value to be learned even so many years after it was first published. It's not easy for me to figure out just why the book is as good as it is; having read it, though, I can easily see why it was set aside to receive a retroactive Newbery Honor for 1961, and I'm very pleased to have it in my own personal collection of books. I can see Old Ramon being a solid choice for reading in schools, as the sort of book that kids will look back on years later and remember loving. I would give it two and a half stars, and my sincere recommendation.
As we follow the expedition and listen along with the boy to what wise Ramon has to say, we learn more than just the specifics of what it means to be a good, thoughtful herder of sheep. For a man who has never read a single sentence in print, Ramon has absorbed an awful lot of experiential knowledge about the world. Some of it is pleasant and cheerful, while other lessons that the old man has learned are bitter, and marred by mistakes and regret. As Ramon watches over his sheep, his two dogs and the patrón's young son on the rustic trail, we get the opportunity to drink from a stream of wisdom as it flows from a man who intimately knows the truths that he has to impart.
Old Ramon is such a slight volume that it's hard to compose a book review for it of any substantial length. I could pick out specific ideas expressed within the narrative and unpack them more fully as tangible demonstrations of the book's merit, but for some reason that's more difficult to do with this book than it is with most others. The story is a very nice one, though, with much of value to be learned even so many years after it was first published. It's not easy for me to figure out just why the book is as good as it is; having read it, though, I can easily see why it was set aside to receive a retroactive Newbery Honor for 1961, and I'm very pleased to have it in my own personal collection of books. I can see Old Ramon being a solid choice for reading in schools, as the sort of book that kids will look back on years later and remember loving. I would give it two and a half stars, and my sincere recommendation.
August 10, 2016
Old Ramon is a shepherd with a crooked nose (it was probably broken at some point) and a knife cut scar on one edge of his mouth. He has clearly learned some hard lessons throughout his long life. He has learned about true friendship, the (lack of) intelligence of sheep, the value of a smart sheep dog, and his connection to the natural world of the Mojave Desert. He has cared for many herds of sheep in his long life.
In this book, Old Ramon and a boy drive a herd of sheep across the desert toward the fertile mountains beyond. The sheep are owned by the boy's father, for whom Old Ramon works. During their journey, Ramon shares with the boy his wisdom about life, nature, and sheep. Several sheep nearly drown while crossing a river, only to be rescued by Ramon. They encounter rattlesnakes, wolves, and a blinding sandstorm before reaching the mountain pastures.
The main reason I liked this book was its descriptions of the natural scenery of the Mojave Desert in California and the ways that Ramon and the boy had to accommodate themselves and the sheep to it. One of my favorite quotes from the book is Old Ramon speaking: "I do not see how a man can be lonely when the good God's world is open around him, when there is the sun that shines by day and the stars that look down by night and the wind that blows and the mountains that watch all and everything and the grass that grows, when there are the sheep that need him to care for them and the dogs to help him and Don Coyote to call him names and the owl to ask him questions from hidden places..." That quote perfectly captures the mood of this book. I recommend Old Ramon for readers who enjoy reading about nature, dogs, and friendship.
In this book, Old Ramon and a boy drive a herd of sheep across the desert toward the fertile mountains beyond. The sheep are owned by the boy's father, for whom Old Ramon works. During their journey, Ramon shares with the boy his wisdom about life, nature, and sheep. Several sheep nearly drown while crossing a river, only to be rescued by Ramon. They encounter rattlesnakes, wolves, and a blinding sandstorm before reaching the mountain pastures.
The main reason I liked this book was its descriptions of the natural scenery of the Mojave Desert in California and the ways that Ramon and the boy had to accommodate themselves and the sheep to it. One of my favorite quotes from the book is Old Ramon speaking: "I do not see how a man can be lonely when the good God's world is open around him, when there is the sun that shines by day and the stars that look down by night and the wind that blows and the mountains that watch all and everything and the grass that grows, when there are the sheep that need him to care for them and the dogs to help him and Don Coyote to call him names and the owl to ask him questions from hidden places..." That quote perfectly captures the mood of this book. I recommend Old Ramon for readers who enjoy reading about nature, dogs, and friendship.
March 20, 2014
This book is about a shepherd named Ramon and a child who is called Pedro. Ramon works for Pedro's father, he teaches Pedro how take care of goats in the desert. Ramon is very old man but he is very smart . Pedro learns about tending the goats and about the sandstorms that suddenly occur. The sandstorms can be very dangerous to the sheep as well as wolves. One day old Ramon and Pedro were in the desert taking care of the goats, everything was very quiet when suddenly. Ramon realized that some of the goats were missing along with one of the dogs. Pedro and Ramon, leave one dog with the goats and the two of them begin to look for the missing goats. They looked all over the dessert when suddenly they hear what sounds like a howling dog. As they approach the lost goats, the goats become startled and start to run away. Pedro and Ramon were very happy that they had found the missing goats and their dog. Ramon was very proud of the dog for staying with the goats that had wandered off. He rewarded him with a big meal for dinner.
I did not like this book because it was difficult for me to understand all of the words. I would recommend this book for middle school students, I think it would be too difficult for elementary students to read.
I did not like this book because it was difficult for me to understand all of the words. I would recommend this book for middle school students, I think it would be too difficult for elementary students to read.
September 16, 2015
This is a book about a boy whose father and grandfather were/had been great men who owned a lot of sheep and needed many shepherds. They had one shepherd, Ramon, who was the grandfather's first shepherd, and who continued to be the best shepherd of them all. The boy's father sent the boy on an expedition with to the hills and mountains with Ramon so he could teach him about sheep.
Ramon has a dog who is a prize sheep-dog; the dog himself even knows the names of the individual sheep. Ramon has another dog he just acquired who takes a liking to the boy and then becomes his. That dog isn't quite as smart or able as the other dog, but he tries.
Anyway, it's a nice little story and definitely worth the hour or two it takes to read it.
Ramon has a dog who is a prize sheep-dog; the dog himself even knows the names of the individual sheep. Ramon has another dog he just acquired who takes a liking to the boy and then becomes his. That dog isn't quite as smart or able as the other dog, but he tries.
Anyway, it's a nice little story and definitely worth the hour or two it takes to read it.
June 9, 2012
This coming-of-age story involves a sheep herder named Ramon and his young apprentice boy. The young boy is assigned to go with Ramon to learn the art of sheep hearding. He and his black dog learn a lot from the old pro Ramon along the way. They cross many milestones and learn many lesson as they travel The boy also learns alot about his grandfather from Ramon. This coming-of-age story helps you grow with the boy and Ramon. Old Ramon would be a great book for boys! It also has a fairly easy reading level.
July 16, 2023
Ramon lectures a boy (who never gets a name, despite dogs and sheep getting names!) about different lessons he's learned in his life.
I was torn between giving this book one or two stars because I try to save one star for books I really thought were terrible, but I honestly did not like it. I much preferred Mountain Born for a book about a boy and sheep. At least Peter gets a name and doesn't get lectured at the entire time!
I was torn between giving this book one or two stars because I try to save one star for books I really thought were terrible, but I honestly did not like it. I much preferred Mountain Born for a book about a boy and sheep. At least Peter gets a name and doesn't get lectured at the entire time!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews