Bull Rider (Orca Soundings) [Paperback]

Marilyn Halvorson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Orca Soundings | Publication Date: January 1, 2003

Layne wants nothing more than to follow in his father's footsteps and to be a bull rider. His dad was one ride away from a National Championship when he got trampled to death. Layne wants to be able to give his dad that championship—by winning it for him. What he doesn't want, though, is to end up like his father and die in the rodeo arena. When the chance comes, Layne realizes he must face up to his greatest fear. With the help of his friend Jana, and his bratty younger sister, Layne learns to reach deep inside and trust himself.


(20031201)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-In spite of his father's death at the National Finals six years earlier, Layne is determined to become an award-winning bull rider. His mother is adamant that he not ride, so the 16-year-old must practice in secret at a friend's family arena. When a rogue bull, Rhino, nearly finishes him off, Jana's grandfather agrees to train Layne. A convenient wedding gets his mom out of the way so that the teen can ride in the local rodeo, predictably, on Rhino. He survives, his mom loves him anyway, and he gets a nice kiss from Jana. Halvorson portrays her protagonist as an everyteen hero with fair success: he gets angry, gets hurt, takes responsibility for his actions, and shows brotherly affection for his younger sister on several occasions. The author also highlights the often-overlooked sport of rodeo riding without dramatizing the very real dangers or flooding readers with unwanted details.
Linda Bindner, Truman State University, Kirksville, MO
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Highly Recommended." (CM Magazine )

"Has potential for many different levels of readers...The strength of the book lies in the conflict that Halvorson describes, one familiar to members of the rodeo culture who know that the very thing they love can harm or kill the people they love even more." (VOYA )

"Halvorson is talented at seamlessly weaving in the settings and character descriptions with the rising action of the story." (Resource Links )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Orca Book Publishers (January 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1551432331
• ISBN-13: 978-1551432335
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #762,837 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Matt's review, December 14, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Bull Rider (Orca Soundings) (Paperback)

I read Bull Rider by Marilyn Halverson. I liked the book because it had a lot of cool parts in the book. I liked when Layne got bucked off a bull named Rhino and when they loaded the horse up in the back of the truck and the horse fell out because these party animals drove and shouted out the window. This story is about a boy that wants to become a professional bull rider but his mom won't let him. His mom won't let him because his father died riding. I think the person who would like this book is someone who likes action and bull riding.

5.0 out of 5 stars Having a dream, May 2, 2005

By 

student003 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bull Rider (Orca Soundings) (Paperback)

" What is it?" "An entry form for the rodeo next month." We all have dreams. Everyone should get a chance to fulfill his or her dreams at least once. That's the way a young man named Layne thinks. He has a dream to be a bull rider in the rodeo. But there are some problems to his dream coming true. Some people don't want him to accomplish this dream. Although this book is short it makes for a quick and easy read. It sure was a joy for me to read.

Layne's father was a bull rider in the rodeo, and he was a great bull rider. But a tragic accident happened. Layne wants to be a great bull rider in the rodeo like his father was. But Layne knows how his mother feels about the bull riding. His mother will not let him ride the bulls because she is only trying to keep him from getting hurt.

In spite of his mothers words and feelings about the bull riding. Layne has been sneaking behind his mothers back and has been riding the young bulls at his friend's farm. But in order to make it to the rodeo he will need some practice. So his friend's grandfather is willing to train him and get him ready for the rodeo.

There is a couple set backs in getting to the rodeo, but he finally gets there.
He gets a tough bull to ride but he does well. As he gets done with his ride someone shows up, a little mad but also very proud. The crowd goes wild. He had a great ride.

People have life long dreams, but you should also in mind your friends and your family. Do they approve of what you want? Is your dream something that could worry them? And will it hurt them in the end. These are some things that you should think of before you go through with it.

If you want a book that is a quick and easy read, but one that gives you some action, this would be a great book for you. This book is great for a person who likes a little action and drama. Also if you like animals this book would be great.

4.0 out of 5 stars Bull Rider, December 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Bull Rider (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) (School & Library Binding)

This is an awesome book. We are currently reading as a family. My son who has reading difficulties and doesn't like to read, can't seem to put the book down. It has really got his attention. I would recommend it to anyone!