Book picks similar to
More Than Courage by Patrick Lawson
animals
non-fiction
childhood
adventure
The Silver Brumby
Elyne Mitchell - 1958
Thowra, the magnificent silver stallion, is king of the brumbies. But he must defend his herd from the mighty horse, The Brolga, in the most savage of struggles. But that is not the only danger. Thowra needs all his speed and cunning to save his herd from capture by man. In a desperate chase through the mountains, it seems there is no longer anywhere for him to run to...
Black Beauty
Anna Sewell - 1877
But when circumstances change, he learns that not all humans are so kind. Passed from hand to hand, Black Beauty witnesses love and cruelty, wealth and poverty, friendship and hardship . . . Will the handsome horse ever find a happy and lasting home? Carefully retold in clear contemporary language, and presented with delightful illustrations, these favorite classic stories capture the heart and imagination of young readers. By retelling the story in a shorter, simpler form, these books become highly engaging for children, and the color illustrations help with both comprehension and interest level. Black Beauty is part of a collectible series that has strong gift appeal.
Little House in the Big Woods
Laura Ingalls Wilder - 1932
This edition features the classic black-and-white artwork from Garth Williams.Little House in the Big Woods takes place in 1871 and introduces us to four-year-old Laura, who lives in a log cabin on the edge of the Big Woods of Wisconsin. She shares the cabin with her Pa, her Ma, her sisters Mary and Carrie, and their lovable dog, Jack.Pioneer life isn’t easy for the Ingalls family, since they must grow or catch all their own food as they get ready for the cold winter. But they make the best of every tough situation. They celebrate Christmas with homemade toys and treats, do their spring planting, bring in the harvest in the fall, and make their first trip into town. And every night, safe and warm in their little house, the sound of Pa’s fiddle lulls Laura and her sisters into sleep.The nine books in the timeless Little House series tell the story of Laura’s real childhood as an American pioneer, and are cherished by readers of all generations. They offer a unique glimpse into life on the American frontier, and tell the heartwarming, unforgettable story of a loving family.
Fire Bringer
David Clement-Davies - 1999
He knows he must escape to survive. Chased by stags, with their fearsome antlers sharpened for the kill, he begins a treacherous journey into the unknown, and ahead of him lies a shocking and formidable search for truth and goodwill in the shadow of the Great Mountain. One day he will have to return to his home and face his destiny among the deer to fulfill the prophecy that has persistently given them hope: that one day a fawn will be born with the mark of an oak leaf on his forehead and that fawn's courage will lead all the deer to freedom. Filled with passion and a darkness that gradually, through Rannoch's courage in the face of adversity, lifts to reveal an overwhelming feeling of light, Fire Bringer is a tremendous, spirited story that takes the reader deep into the hearts and minds of its characters as they fight for their right to live in peace.
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
Jeanne Birdsall - 2005
Best of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, the perfect companion for their adventures. Icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is less pleased with the Penderwicks than Jeffrey, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Is that any fun? For sure the summer will be unforgettable.
The Missing Piece
Shel Silverstein - 1976
And it was not happy. What it finds on its search for the missing piece is simply and touchingly told. This inventive and heartwarming book can be read on many levels, and Silverstein’s iconic drawings and humor are sure to delight fans of all ages.So it set off in searchof its missing piece.And as it rolledit sang this song— Oh I'm lookin' for my missin' pieceI'm lookin' for my missin' pieceHi-dee-ho, here I go,Lookin' for my missin' piece.And don't miss Runny Babbit Returns, the new book from Shel Silverstein!
Come On, Seabiscuit!
Ralph Moody - 1963
Nevertheless, thousands of fans left behind their troubles that day to gather at the Pimlico racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland, to cheer on Seabiscuit, the horse from the West�the people's horse with the oversized head and the stubby little legs. Seabiscuit was competing against War Admiral, winner of the Triple Crown, the three greatest races in the Thoroughbred world. Exploding from the start, by the far turn of the track the two champions were running neck and neck, neither giving an inch. Then Seabiscuit looked War Admiral squarely in the eye, snorted his trademark challenge, and powered away from the eastern victor...Seabiscuit was an unlikely hero. Considered lazy by his trainer, he was overraced, broken down, and in the lowest ranks of racehorses by the age of two. Then in 1936, old-time cowboy trainer Tom Smith�who saw something in Seabiscuit, despite the colt's reputation�convinced businessman Charles Howard to buy the horse. Howard did, for practically nothing, and hired jockey Jack "Red" Pollard to ride him. Smith and Pollard were as down-and-out as Seabiscuit at the time, but together the threesome made history!With great courage and stamina, and an even greater heart, Seabiscuit overcame injuries in the course of his career that would have killed a lesser horse, and in his four years of racing topped the Thoroughbred earnings record of his time. The story of Seabiscuit's life�now a major motion picture starring Tobey Maguire�is in turn thrilling, heartbreaking and incredibly inspiring.Ralph Moody, the second of six children, was born on December 16, 1898, in East Rochester, New Hampshire. In 1950, when he was fifty-two years old, Ralph enrolled in a short-story writing class. Encouraged by his teacher, he turned a class paper into a book, Little Britches, describing his childhood days living on a ranch in Colorado. Ralph wrote nineteen books, all based on his life. He died at age eighty-three in New England, at the home of his sister Elizabeth.Robert Riger was born in Manhattan in 1924 and graduated from Pratt Art Institute. His distinctive sepia sketches appeared in the first issue of Sports Illustrated in 1954 and became a regular and familiar feature in the magazine for many years afterward. In 1963 Robert joined ABC's Wide World of Sports, where he became a producer/director of many groundbreaking and award-winning programs. Among his prizes are nine Emmy Awards. Other children's titles illustrated by Robert include Ralph Moody's Riders of the Pony Express; Sequoyah: Leader of the Cherokees by Alice Marriott; and Wren by Marie Killilea. He died in 1995 in Huntington Beach, California.
Runt
Marion Dane Bauer - 2002
Then one last, very small pup is born into the wolf pack. He is called Runt. From the very start, Runt struggles in the harsh wild world of the wolves. He tries learning along with his brothers and sisters, but makes serious mistakes. It’s hard pleasing his father, King, and the other wolves. If only Runt could prove himself to his powerful father and family. . . .“With an economy of words, Bauer precisely and vividly conveys the wolves’ wild world. . . . There’s a ready-made audience for this.”—Booklist, Starred“Beautifully written and faithful to wolves’ behavior (explained in an afterword). . . . Bauer portrays the wolves’ place in the natural world with compassion, respect, and warmth, but this is also the story of any unique individual’s struggle to find his or her niche.”—School Library Journal
For Horse-Crazy Girls Only: Everything You Want to Know About Horses
Christina Wilsdon - 2010
You'll learn everything from the different breeds of horses, to how a horse's body works, to the quirky little things that make the horse the BEST animal ever. Author Christina Wilsdon even shares ideas for horse-themed parties, and suggestions for the best horse movies to watch with your friends. And that's just the beginning.
My Life in Dog Years
Gary Paulsen - 1997
In each chapter he tells of one special dog, among them Cookie, the sled dog who saved his life; Snowball, the puppy he owned as a boy in the Philippines; Ike, his mysterious hunting companion; Dirk, the grim protector; and his true friend Josh, a brilliant border collie.
Wonder
R.J. Palacio - 2012
Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Wonder, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others.
I, Houdini
Lynne Reid Banks - 1978
I'm proud to say that there hasn't been a cage built that can hold me. I can climb, dive, wriggle, squeeze, or gnaw my way out of any prison they came up with. I have to admit that sometimes freedom leads to a bit of trouble--like getting cornered by the cat, ending up in the dog's mouth, or being trapped in the freezing cold of a dark refrigerator. But I won't be stopped! With a whole big world out there to explore, who wants to be held prisoner in a hamster cage?
A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray
Ann M. Martin - 2005
Their mother nurtures them and teaches them the many skills they will need to survive as stray dogs. But when their mother is taken from them suddenly and too soon, the puppies are forced to make their own way in the world, facing humans both gentle and brutal, busy highways, other animals, and the changing seasons. When Bone and Squirrel become separated, Squirrel must fend for herself, and in the process makes two friends who in very different ways define her fate.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Ultimate Guide
Rick Riordan - 2010
This novelty companion to the best-selling series comes complete with trading cards, full-color diagrams, and maps, all packaged in a handy, "manual-size" POB with a crisp, magnetic flap enclosure.
Urchin of the Riding Stars
M.I. McAllister - 2005
Adopted and raised by a kindly, eccentric squirrel, Urchin has no idea of his powerful destiny or of the way he will influence the island of Mistmantle.The rule of the good King Brushen and Queen Spindle is threatened by an evil plot from within the court. When their young prince is found murdered, the isle is thrown into turmoil. Behind the scenes, the wicked Lord Husk and Lady Aspen are determined to take control. But to underestimate the power of the islanders and the ancient prophecies is a big mistake...Triumphant heroes and brilliantly wicked villains do battle in this heart-stopping adventure in the great tradition of Watership Down and The Wind in the Willows.Glorious new illustrations by Christine Enright capture the spirit of Urchin, and the world of Mistmantle.