About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing a sudden increase in responsibility or feeling the weight of 'being the man/woman of the house' during a parent's absence. It is a resonant choice for children navigating the transition from childhood play to adolescent duty, particularly when that shift is prompted by family hardship or a father figure who is physically or emotionally distant. Set in Missouri just after the Civil War, the story follows thirteen-year-old Tyler as he manages the family farm while waiting for a father who may never return. Through his relationship with a unique dog named Sooner, Tyler learns that resilience isn't just about hard work: it is about holding onto hope while accepting new realities. It is a quiet, reflective historical novel that honors the dignity of a child's labor and the complexity of their emotional loyalty.
