Amos Kincaid's journey through life is quite the adventure. Set in the mid 1800's, pioneer life comes alive with trappers, Indians, life on the Oregon Trail, and everything in between. We watch as Amos grows up, learn right along with him survival and coping skills, and most importantly, discover what it means to have a special gift passed from generation to generation. Amos is the son of a son of a son of a son with the dowser's gift-the ability to locate water. This gift threads through the story, unifying the elements of mother, father, son, and all the people whose lives touch one another. The audiobook is an incredible listen. Will Patton's voice draws you into the story and you feel like you are right there living the life of a pioneer.

Reviewed by: adf

Date read: 7/21/2010

ISBN-10: 0805080201

ISBN-13: 9780805080209

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A young boy has an amazing love for his two hound dogs. Together, they find victory and sadness.

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/19/2009

ISBN-10: 0553274295

ISBN-13: 9780553274295

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Commenter: Adf, grade 12

Greg confronts his own fears, and assumes a leadership role, when his father is bitten by a rattlesnake during a white-water rafting trip.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/25/2009

ISBN-10: 0440415527

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Eleven-year-old Zoe doesn't trust anybody. Her father left long ago. Her mother couldn't even take care of herself, much less Zoe. o when her mother dies and Zoe comes to live with her newly-discovered Uncle Henry, she doesn't trust him either. Dr. Henry Royster is a former surgeon and a well-known metal sculptor. When Zoe comes to his farm outside a small town in South Carolina, she finds a fiery temper and quick intelligence to match her own, and someone who appreciates her sarcastic humor without taking offense. Uncle Henry's thorny temper covers a generous and caring heart, but Zoe isn't used to trusting anyone. She prefers roaming the woods around his farm, and reaching out to a feral cat who sleeps under the house. This coming-of-age novel has many eccentric characters, and a few surprises for Zoe and the reader.

Similar books: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Award Nominee 2012

Reviewed by: donna

Date read: 4/25/2011

ISBN-10: 9781590786277

ISBN-13: 9781590786277

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When Timothy reluctantly accompanies his enthusiastic father on a camping trip, he accidentally becomes lost in the woods, and discovers that he is capable of surviving on his own.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 3/25/2009

ISBN-13: 9780439539463

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