Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
Dreams always have a price
Will can see his future stretch out before him. It's as clear as the plains that lead to La Junta and the first-place winnings at the rodeo. He will become a man, a cowboy with a life of his own. But his twin brother, Denny, follows, bringing with him the memory of that small white scar. Ahead lies adventure; behind, responsibility. And on the road between, Will and Denny will travel together—brothers united by blood.
Synopsis
Dreams always have a price
Will can see his future stretch out before him. It's as clear as the plains that lead to La Junta and the first-place winnings at the rodeo. He will become a man, a cowboy with a life of his own. But his twin brother, Denny, follows, bringing with him the memory of that small white scar. Ahead lies adventure; behind, responsibility. And on the road between, Will and Denny will travel together—brothers united by blood.
Hazel Buys - Children's Literature
In 1940, on a ranch in Colorado, two boys come of age. The transition from adolescence into young manhood for the 15-year-old twins, one of whom is mentally retarded, is told with poignant honesty. Will yearns to separate himself from his more limited brother, Denny. Against his father's wishes, he sets out to ride to La Junta to compete in a rodeo. He is sure that he will win, both prizes and his freedom—freedom from a life spent looking after Denny. But Denny follows Will, reminding him that they are blood brothers, symbolized by a small white scar each carries on a finger. Will struggles with the pull of adventure, independence, and being on his own, which requires that he abandon the responsibility of looking after his brother. Where does true adulthood lie? Unexpectedly a family friend provides a solution and a lesson in alternatives. This novel is haunting and well-plotted. Each brother's voice rings true. The story appears simple but its message is powerful and universal. How can we be both our brother's keeper and true to ourselves? 2006, Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins Publishers, and Ages 10 up.
Editorials
Children's Literature
In 1940, on a ranch in Colorado, two boys come of age. The transition from adolescence into young manhood for the 15-year-old twins, one of whom is mentally retarded, is told with poignant honesty. Will yearns to separate himself from his more limited brother, Denny. Against his father's wishes, he sets out to ride to La Junta to compete in a rodeo. He is sure that he will win, both prizes and his freedom—freedom from a life spent looking after Denny. But Denny follows Will, reminding him that they are blood brothers, symbolized by a small white scar each carries on a finger. Will struggles with the pull of adventure, independence, and being on his own, which requires that he abandon the responsibility of looking after his brother. Where does true adulthood lie? Unexpectedly a family friend provides a solution and a lesson in alternatives. This novel is haunting and well-plotted. Each brother's voice rings true. The story appears simple but its message is powerful and universal. How can we be both our brother's keeper and true to ourselves? 2006, Joanna Cotler Books/HarperCollins Publishers, and Ages 10 up.—Hazel Buys
KLIATT -
To quote the review of the hardcover in KLIATT, July 2006: Will, age 15, has always been responsible for looking after his twin brother Denny, who has Down syndrome, but he's chafing to get away from their drought-stricken Montana ranch. He dreams of competing in the rodeo and becoming a professional cowboy, able to send money home to help out and to have new adventures. Will loves his brother but also views him as a burden, and when he sees his chance to run away he takes it. However, Denny is hot on his heels, and even a rattlesnake bite, a flash flood, and a fight with Will don't deter him from following his beloved brother to the rodeo. Denny's unexpected courage and their father's new appreciation of Will's maturity lead to new opportunities for both Denny and Will, and Will comes to understand how his caring for Denny has helped to make him a better person. This first novel, set in 1940, is by a Colorado author who clearly understands both rodeos and boys. It's a quick and engaging read that will appeal to reluctant readers and adventure fans alike. Reviewer: Paula RohrlickKLIATT
Will, age 15, has always been responsible for looking after his twin brother Denny, who has Down syndrome, but he's chafing to get away from their drought-stricken Montana ranch. He dreams of competing in the rodeo and becoming a professional cowboy, able to send money home to help out and to have new adventures. Will loves his brother but also views him as a burden, and when he sees his chance to run away he takes it. However, Denny is hot on his heels, and even a rattlesnake bite, a flash flood, and a fight with Will don't deter him from following his beloved brother to the rodeo. Denny's unexpected courage and their father's new appreciation of Will's maturity lead to new opportunities for both Denny and Will, and Will comes to understand how his caring for Denny has helped to make him a better person. This first novel, set in 1940, is by a Colorado author who clearly understands both rodeos and boys. It's a quick and engaging read that will appeal to reluctant readers and adventure fans alike. KLIATT Codes: J—Recommended for junior high school students. 2006, HarperCollins, 192p., and Ages 12 to 15.—Paula Rohrlick