About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the weight of a strict rule or needs to understand that maturity sometimes means making a difficult choice in an emergency. It is a quiet, contemplative story about Salt Boy, a young Navajo boy who desperately wants to learn how to rope a horse, but has promised his father he will not try until he is older. When a sudden flash flood threatens his mother's sheep, Salt Boy must decide whether to keep his word or use the forbidden skill to save a life. This 1973 classic offers a beautiful model of integrity and courage. It explores the tension between obedience and responsibility, making it an excellent choice for children ages 5 to 9 who are beginning to navigate their own independence and moral judgment. Parents will appreciate the respectful, authentic depiction of Navajo life and the way the father responds to his son's broken promise with wisdom rather than punishment.
