Heart of a Shepherd

The Heart of a Shepherd, by Rosanne Parry, tells the story of an twelve-year old boy whose father is sent to fight in Iraq with the rest of his reserve unit. I was very moved by this story, especially because it shared with me a perspective that is so far away from my experiences here in Oakland, and yet such an important part of our American experiences in the early 21st century. Twelve-year old "Brother" is the youngest of 5 boys growing up on a ranch in Eastern Oregon. His older brothers are now off at boarding school, college or the army, and he's now alone helping his dad and grandparents manage their cattle ranch. Brother feels that he's never been the rancher that his older brothers are - it's difficult trying to fill their shoes when they're away. But his dad and grandpa help him learn how to do things. Then, Brother's dad is called up to fight with his reserve unit in Iraq. With all of his brothers away, Brother promises his dad that he will help keep the ranch running smoothly. His dad believes in him, and Brother has to keep faith that his father will return safely. Here is one of my favorite quotes from his dad: “You don’t have to be brave,” he says, real quiet. “Neither of us does. A man’s life is not so much about courage. You just have to keep going. You have to do what you’ve promised, brave or not.” (page 24) In many ways, The Heart of a Shepherd reminds me of A River Runs Through It for tweens. The setting is inextricably part of the story - the land, the weather, the power it holds for people living on a ranch. Brother struggles with his relationship with his older brothers, trying to prove himself a man. And Brother tries to come to terms with his faith, both his faith as a Catholic and his grandfather's faith as a Quaker. Kids who like real stories about real people will like this book. I think it will appeal to girls and boys, most likely in 5th or 6th grade. The audiobooks has gotten great reviews - it would make a great story for a car trip this summer.

I could not put the book down. I cried and cried at the end. I know that books reach people in different ways and people get different messages from them based on background experiences. The story is of a young sixth grade boy nicknamed 'Brother'. His three older brothers are either in the military or headed off to board in high school. His father is being deplopyed to Iraq. He is left with his grandparents to take care of the ranch. He is trying to figure out where he fits in the big picture of things. He is unsure of his future. One of the ranch hands tells him he has the heart of a shepherd when he finds Brother with the young lambs who have lost their mother. Brother doesn't think he is cut out to handle ranch life or the military. He can't stand death, he is afraid of so many things. When fire from storms threaten their ranch and livestock he draws strength from his grandfather, friends and his faith. When life throws him a terrible twist he handles it like a man. Doing so strengthens his faith in God and shows him the path that God has for him. My own belief system was lifted up as I read this book. I will definately recommend it to all of my friends and students