The Home Ranch

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

One of our all-time favorite family read-alouds for all ages, it beats out other standards for exciting plot, unique situations and sheer suspense from an independent young boy's perspective! Best understood if you have read the prequels in chronological order, but still great if you haven't.

Ralph Moody is a great story-teller! humor, folk wisdom, sentiment, and descriptive details of growing up in the early 20th century, working the summer on a cattle ranch. Rites of passage from boy to man. One of our favorite family read-alouds!

One of a series of eight books by Ralph Moody tells a tale of an enterprising young man's coming of age in the 1920's Colorado area. Its direct and forthright language is a pleasure to read. I looked forward each morning and night to reading each page of all eight volumes.

All of the Little Britches books are worth the read. They are interesting to listen to as well. I've been a fan of this books for as long as I can remember. My parents read them to brother and I when we were kids. Just good clean books with an interesting story of Ralph Moody's life as a boy into his young adult years.

Ralph Moody's series of memoirs are among the best books I've read; very enjoyable (they read like a novel) and reveal what life was like in that period of history in that part of the country. I read all seven books to my sons twice when they were growing up, and they loved them. Each of the guys have read them again after they were adults. My husband, who hates reading, loved the audiobooks. Now my 76-year-old mother is enjoying them on her Kindle.

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!

Get all eight books - these are must reads for youngsters; like the Little House books, yet a young man's story.

have listened to this audio book over and over. great story

Awesome

There are no vampires, alein monsters, or dorks! This is a true to life book that took place in the early 1900s. It was so hard to find some great books for my 10 year old son that weren't full of rude outlandish actions. There are some rough spots because of the way in which people in the early 1900s had to live, but I would definitely recommend this book!

Great addition to my Ralph Moody collection!

We are enjoying all the books in the series.

good series

Ralph Moody's stories of his childhood are full of men defending and watching over a boy as he must assume the role of an adult way too young. The boy's bravery, tenacity, and honor were illustrated and taught by his deceased father, but continued to be solidified as he grew into manhood.

Having read the first two in this series, we were excited to get this one as well. There are some good life lessons in this book if you can tolerate the grandfather! ;-) Really good and worth the read as a family, as lots of room for good, productive discussion.

A fun read with details of ranch life that that ring true, based on my own ranch experience.

Another entertaining read. BE SURE to read this one before MARY EMMA AND COMPANY. It fits better if you do.

Brings back great memories

Several of my students raved about this series so I have been buying the books for my grandsons. They are enjoying them too.

The history and early life of what Colorado was truly like...and what "true" Colorado natives respect.

shipping... fast! story... a new favorite! Condition... perfect! Service... great! will buy from u again! Anyway, I am a true-blue, down-to-earth horse enthusiast and this book was totally right up my hitchin' post! Really cute, especially since the story was written from the perspective of a plucky little boy who also loves horses. Anyway, once and for all, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Not my favorite of Ralph Moody's books, but still a great read for the whole family. The entire "Little Britches" series are perhaps my all-time favorite books. I read them aloud to my kids when they were in elementary school and have read them again to myself 10 years later. They're also great reading for the older generation who remember some of the ways of life depicted so clearly in the books.

I am just reading the 7th book of the 8-book series and I am excited that I found out about these books. They are all wonderful, starting with the first book, "Little Britches". It is the story of Ralph Moody's life from the time he was 8.

This is one of my favorite books from the "Little Britches" series that I loved when I was growing up. Now I have my grandson reading them.

I liked this book very much likely because it was written about the author's childhood. The book was entertaining and often comical.

This book will remain in my memory for a long time. The writing style, the vividness of setting, emotions, relationships, and timeframe, all come together to pack a powerful punch to the reader. My son and I could not put it down.

Ralph Moody books are a must read for anyone with a love of Ranching and the West. Ralph had an amazing life and is a great story teller. It is a book of life, Hardships and Joy. I have loved this series from the time I was a child.

If you want to learn about the REAL West, start here. The author was raised on a homestead in Colorado in the early 20th century, and spent his early years working cattle.

Ralph Moody's books are awesome, this one is no exception. My wife and kids all read it together and they all enjoy it, from age 13 to age 6.

If you enjoyed Little Britches or Far Country by Ralph Moody (same book - original title and movie title) you will enjoy Moody's continuation of Little Britches' life experiences.

Loved reading the Ralph Moody books . He was a very interesting man. I recommend Little Britches and Man of the family. Good Morn'in Miss Moody fine day isn't it.

This is one of my favorite books, and Ralph Moody is one of my favorite authors. Genuine, funny, thoughtful, morally sound. All of these books are awesome to read aloud to children, even teenagers.

We have read all of the Ralph Moody books together as a family. Good clean fun, plus the reality of the ups and downs of life. I highly recommend these books.

Awesome story, well told. Values and life lessons presented in a fashion that is entertaining to the whole family.

good book

What a great book about a hard working little boy!

Great book!

Young boy's story

Love these books!

I first read Little Britches in grade school. This copy was for my grandson. I've read his entire set and still love them--even after 60 years.

This is a part of a terrific series of auto-biographies by Ralph Moody. I highly suggest it for personal or family reading. The book was as described and arrived very quickly at a terrific price.Thanks!!!

Easy to read. Uncomplicated reading. Pure pleasure. Want more and more of same author.

I love all the Ralph Moody books! I'm reading the whole series to the patients where I work. They love it too.

I really like the story, but this printing and binding is horrible because multiple pages fall out with light reading. This is not an isolated incident as I purchased 4 books in this series by this publisher with this modern cover, and they all lost plenty of pages quickly during the first reading. We are not that hard on our books and haven't had this problem with the hundreds of other books we own. We'll try purchasing used copies of older printings of this Ralph Moody series and I assume that will be much better.

This is the third in Moody's autobiographical series, but is best read (if you're a continuity freak) between Chapters 25 and 26 of the second, "Man of the Family." It follows young Ralph (12 years old in the summer of 1911) through his first "man's job," riding for Mr. Batchlett, the livestock dealer, for 100 days at a dollar a day--big money to a boy who is lucky to get five cents an hour around his Littleton home, and who feels keenly his obligation to support his widowed mother and five siblings. Like Ralph, the reader plunges right into the job in the second chapter, and the story doesn't let up from there on out. In 1911 the Colorado cattle business is changing, and Mr. Batchlett, who owns a big ranch, is changing with it, dealing heavily in dairy cattle, trading dry for freshened stock, then letting the drys bear their calves and selling them in turn. Ralph has worked cattle before, but those were range stock, and as he humorously explains, dairy stock is a different kind of animal entirely. Still, there are some things that don't change: picking out a string of horses, cutting out stock aboard Clay, his boss's prize cutting horse, and once getting lost in the mountains for 24 hours. What's more, the book is packed with unforgettable characters, both human and animal: old Hank, the boastful windbag cowboy who is humbled by his and Ralph's ordeal in the mountains, then redeems himself when he saves crew and herd from a flash flood; Blueboy, the half-wild roan gelding Ralph can't resist adding to his string; Jenny Wren, the schoolteacher moonlighting for the summer as home-ranch cook, and Sid, the cowboy who worships her; Zeb, the tall gangly cowhand who by preference rides a diminutive mule; Clay, the cutting horse who can practically do the job all by himself; Trinidad, the troublemaker of the crew; a constellation of dairy cattle, each with name and personality; Watt Bendt, the ranch boss, and Hazel, the oldest of his four daughters, a redheaded, freckle-faced tomboy who prefers rooting cattle out of the brush to wearing a dress (and proves to be better at it than Ralph), and who cleverly manipulates him into choosing a string that will keep him close to the home compound so he can (she's resolved) teach her to do his trick-riding stunts. Moody evokes a time not yet a century past with love and skill, and paces his tale as well as any novelist. Anyone who loves or is curious about the Old West and how it has come to be what it is today should read this book.