A Boy and His Horse

Some Kind of Courage by Dan Gemeinhart

 

           

         Do you remember all those horse movies you would watch as a kid? You know, the ones with stolen horses, wild animals, Native Americans, Cowboys, and an ultimately happy ending where horse and owner live happily ever after? I LIVED on those movies. My favorite was and is Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. Some Kind of Courage reminded me of those movies in all the right ways. The whole book exuded nostalgia (do I get brownie points for using those two words in the same sentence?).

“It was such a spectacular adventure full of thrills, surprises, and heart-wrenching moments.

          The main character, Joseph, was excellent and the supporting character, Ah-Kee never stopped impressing me. I enjoyed their unique friendship and all the funny exchanges they had.

Moving on to the next part of this review. I’m going to give you a detailed content review with the same format I usually use at the end of my posts. Then, I’ll let you be the judge.

Language:

              

       There was some language in this book. The “H” word is used five times by some of the gruff men Joseph comes across. Damned is used once and heck or heckuva is used a few times as well. Joseph mentions himself swearing a handful of times even though he knows his mother wouldn’t like him saying things like that.

Alcohol/drugs:

              

       The man who “stole” Joseph’s horse is drunk in one scene. His actions are nothing more than slowed reflexes and a temper. He offers Joseph some alcohol but he refuses.

Violence:

               

      One character breaks his ankle and another’s leg is torn up a bit by a bear. Someone is shot and it is mentioned that they are bleeding out but it doesn’t go onto much more detail than that.

Sexual Content:

              

      None

Spiritual Content:

               

      Joseph’s parents are dead and he references them anytime a moral decision needs to be made. His mother is his main point of moral guidance and has strong advice that lines up with God’s word. He also frequently asks himself what the Lord would want him to do. Joseph always does the right thing even if it scares him. He looks out for others especially his friend Ah-kee, a Chinese immigrant who is looked down upon by society. He shows great strength of character by giving others a second chance even if they don’t deserve one and looking at all peoples as equal.

Currently Reading: Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K Rowling

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