The Home Ranch
Following Little Britches and developing an episode noted near the end of Man of the Family, The Home Ranch continues the adventures of young Ralph Moody. Soon after returning from the ranch, he and his mother and siblings will go east for a new start, described in Mary Emma & Company and The Fields of Home. All these titles have been reprinted as Bison Books.
Reviews (65)
This man's life story just grips you
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.
Great read for older kids and adults
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.
Perhaps the very best of the series
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.
These are excellent stories chronicling early 1900's American life and the challenge ...
These are excellent stories chronicling early 1900's American life and the challenge of a boy moving from the midwest to the east coast. Exemplifies excellent work ethics, definitely gives the reader higher standards to work toward. Great life lessons communicated well. Definitely gives the reader the picture of a boy becoming a man, making difficult decisions and demonstrates a willingness to be humble and learn over time.
Great book, highly recommend!
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.
Another good read
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.
Great series of books
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 boy Lots of life lessons (especially about hard work) Good next step after Laura ingalls series Enjoyable to read out loud Cons: None Be 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.
Great Story!
My children and I have been loving these Ralph Moody books. This one was a fascinating look at working a cattle ranch in the early 1900s in Colorado, from young Ralph's perspective.
A Good Read
I purchased this for my Kindle, having read it years ago in HS. It has laughs, crises, and poignancy; a coming-of-age and a touch of young romance. I bought it again in paperback for my 11-year-old neighbor. Reading about someone his own age, a real cowboy in real adventures, should hold his interest, and maybe the low-key life-lessons will sink in. It's also a little sad to consider that the epic ride Little Britches takes in 1911 would be an hour-and-a-half drive now, barring traffic; and his ranch and plains are now no doubt tidy little subdivisions.
Good reading for any age
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.
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