Old Ramon [Hardcover]

Jack Schaefer (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Troll Associates (1993)
• ASIN: B0014D9XLO
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great western for young people & winner of several awards!, January 26, 2004

By 

Georgie Cavitt "an avid book reader" (Evans City, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Old Ramon (The Newbery Honor Roll) (Paperback)

This is a timeless story by the author of "Shane". "Old Ramon" centers on a wise older shepherd, a young boy, and two brave dogs. Ramon teaches the boy, who is the son of his patron, how to care for a herd in the harsh terrain of the desert. The boy learns about sheep and sandstorms, rattlesnakes and wolves; he also learns about friendship and loss, bravery and cool-headed wisdom. Set in the Old West, where the cultures of Mexico and Southern California converge, "Old Ramon" offers both a journey back to the adventures of the past and a universal story of growing up. Has nice drawings too.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unsentimental YA Story set in American Southwest, June 2, 2009

By 

Elizabeth A. Williams - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Old Ramon (The Newbery Honor Roll) (Paperback)

(While the title of this review highlights the American Southwest, it could be sent in Mexico or other areas of Latin America.)

This short book packed a great deal in a few pages. The characters - old shepherd, young boy, old dog, young dog, and multiple sheep - are introduced gradually, as is the world they live in. In both writing, subject matter, and illustrations, the book strongly evoked the works of Glen Rounds.

I especially appreciated the matter-of-fact relationship between the animals and the humans. To me, a true partnership and interdependence was portrayed. However, more modern audiences may react less favorably to certain story elements (death of animals, memories of neglect of animals resulting in death, and humans physically striking animals.)