Some Kind of Courage in Mock Newbery 2026

Jul 07, 2016 Barbara rated it really liked it

Shelves: animals, elderly-characters, crime, death, facing-fears, families, social-studies, alcohol, resilience, bullies

Like other reviewers, I love this author's previous title, The Honest Truth, and wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one. I worried about his possibly experiencing the dreaded sophomore slump and was concerned about the book being set in 1890 Washington. Well, my fears were groundless. From the opening scene in which Joseph Johnson, the book's protagonist, tries to slip away in the night from the cruel taskmaster who has betrayed him to its emotionally satisfying, the book kept me enraptured, an Like other reviewers, I love this author's previous title, The Honest Truth, and wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one. I worried about his possibly experiencing the dreaded sophomore slump and was concerned about the book being set in 1890 Washington. Well, my fears were groundless. From the opening scene in which Joseph Johnson, the book's protagonist, tries to slip away in the night from the cruel taskmaster who has betrayed him to its emotionally satisfying, the book kept me enraptured, and I could barely turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen. The twelve-year-old boy has lost everything that matters to him--his home, his little sister, his mother, and even his father. Now that his beloved horse, Sarah, has been sold, nothing will stop him from finding her. Along the way, he encounters friends and foes and faces choices and challenges that no youngster should have to face. And yet, his determination never wavers. Across the central and eastern part of the state he travels with one goal only in sight--bringing back his sweet Sarah. In masterful fashion, Dan Gemeinhart tells a story of persistence, of a single-minded courage, and love that will thrill readers and have them clutching their chests and wiping their eyes. Not only is Joseph's story riveting, but the author has woven in many other subplots and introduced several interesting characters whose lives only briefly touch the main character's and leave readers wondering about what brought them to their own particular crossroads. I felt every inch of every mile that Joseph walked over those mountains as well as his desperation at losing the only thing that mattered in his life. This is an ideal book for sharing with others and rejoicing in one boy's ultimate triumph over seemingly-impossible odds. Joseph's journey will turn even the most recalcitrant pessimist into an optimist, trusting in the help of others and some kind of courage of one's own. I thoroughly enjoyed every word, and highly recommend moving this to your must-read-now pile. ...more

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May 23, 2016 Mary Ann rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 4th, audio, friendship, 5th, 6th, historical-fiction, horses

Powerful, gripping story.

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Aug 10, 2017 Kimberly rated it really liked it

Shelves: adolescent-literature

I picked up this book because I just loved this author's other book The Honest Truth. Like The Honest Truth, this book again touches your emotions. Some Kind of Courage is about a boy on a quest to take back his horse. He is all alone in the world but makes some unlikely friendships. This is a heroes journey with a lot of adventure. Great for ages 10-15. ...more

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Aug 09, 2016 Caren rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, children-s-fiction

Wonderful story.
Some great, deep thinking lines.

"But life is a funny thing. It just keeps on going on."

"And life was going on, all around me. With or without me, it was going on."

Characters:
Joseph: 12 year old boy, who has lost his sister and parents. On a quest to get back his horse, Sarah.

Ah-Kee: A Chinese boy he runs into, who goes through most of the journey with Joseph.
Location: Yakima area of Washington.

1890 ...more

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Jun 30, 2016 Krystal rated it it was amazing

I liked The Honest Truth, but I really liked Some Kind of Courage. It was full of adventure, excitement, and also full of heart. It had a similar feel to One Came Home, which I also loved. This shot to the top of my Newbery watch list.

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Jun 15, 2017 Lisa Nocita rated it really liked it

Shelves: tag-contenders-2017

A terrific book with great voice! Joseph is spunky, plucky, and brave. I loved the narrative and the characters!

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May 01, 2019 Marie rated it really liked it

Quite the little adventure story with a good message of hope.

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Dec 06, 2016 Brandi Rae Fong rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, juvenile-fiction

3.5 stars...

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Jul 10, 2017 Teresa Garrett rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction, children-s-literature, middle-grade, historical-fiction, western, adventure, texas-bluebonnet-2017-18

Most boys Joseph's age would give up considering the obstacles in front of them but Joseph isn't just any boy. When the only tie to his family, his horse Sarah, is basically stolen from him it becomes his mission to get her back. He faces many dangers from shady business men to deadly bears but no matter how bad it gets he keeps moving forward. I couldn't read fast enough I had to know how it ended. Can't wait to recommend this to my students in the fall. ...more

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Sep 10, 2018 Jennifer rated it really liked it

Shelves: middle-grade, gr-2018-challenge

An entertaining story about a boy looking for home. Some great lessons about diversity, courage, and character. Definitely recommended for middle grade readers and those interested in stories of adventure, animals, and the Old West.

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