Some Kind of Courage

by Dan Gemeinhart

A Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2016

Saddle up for a life-defining, death-defying adventure.

Joseph Johnson has lost just about everyone he's ever loved. He lost his pa in an accident. He lost his ma and his little sister to sickness. And now, he's lost his pony--fast, fierce, beautiful Sarah, taken away by a man who had no right to take her.

Joseph can sure enough get her back, though. The odds are stacked against him, but he isn't about to give up. He will face down deadly animals, dangerous men, and the fury of nature itself on his quest to be reunited with the only family he has left.

Because Joseph Johnson may have lost just about everything; but he hasn't lost hope. And he hasn't lost the fire in his belly that says he's getting his Sarah back--no matter what.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, Adventure, Young Adult, Fiction, Animals, Historical

234 pages, Hardcover

First published January 26, 2016

Reviews

[Jesse (JesseTheReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

full video review/discussion: https://youtu.be/qNcFqwlxp1A

This was great! I do think that I liked Dan's first book a bit more, but I still really enjoyed this book. The one negative thing that I can pin point is that this book seems to follow a similar story structure to his first book, The Honest Truth. Both stories are about boys who go on a journey facing big obstacles along the way. I didn't really mind that though, because while they follow similar story structures, this one had nice twists and turns along the way. This book goes into some really dark and violent places and that was completely unexpected, but I'm glad it went in the direction that it did. Overall I really enjoyed this and can't wait to see what's next for Dan Gemeinhart!

[Colby Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

2016 is going to be a very good year for books.

I loved The Honest Truth, so I was a little worried to see what Mr. Gemeinhart had for us with book 2. He didn't disappoint. I'm beginning to think that kids today will look at Dan's work like my generation looks at Gary Paulsen's.

[Joyce Yattoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I know I should have been grading, but when you begin a Dan Gemeinhart book, it is really difficult to put down. This book is for anyone who has a closeness to an animal/pet that can't be explained, but especially for kids who have grown up with horses. This book is also for the Hatchet fans and Alabama Moon readers. I also see my dormant readers enjoying this story. What's not to like? Set in 1890 at the end of the Westward Expansion Joseph has lost everything. His Dad from a wagon accident and his Mom and sister die from Typhoid. His horse is unexpectedly sold. As a result he sets out to find her. This is a story of family bonds, empathy, knowing right from wrong and being a positive influence in a society that is just learning how to be civil with one another. Along the way the reader will be astounded by the maturity Joseph shows in getting out of some pretty scary predicaments as he trails his horse through the Cascade Mountains. Through this story the reader will learn what it means to respect and honor people of all walks of life. Especially important today when society is quick to condemn people who are different. Highly, highly recommend.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't tell my students that I finished this book ahead of our read aloud schedule. But it's a good thing I did. If you needed tissues for The Honest Truth, get two packs for this one. I'm sure I'll still cry reading aloud the last few chapters, but at least I might be able to do it without sobbing now.

Reading this book aloud right after finishing The Honest Truth has been magical. My students have made so many comparisons between the two books, and you should have heard the collective gasp when we came across the title of the book in the story.

Dan Gemeinhart is a master of suspense woven with Truth woven with humor. I'm hoping he has lots more books waiting in his heart and mind.

[Kelsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

God, this book. *Wipes tear*

This is the story of a boy named Joseph, a boy who's lost everything. His mother, his sister, his father, and now his beloved horse, who's all he has left. But, unlike his family, he can get her back.

With surprising grit and determination, Joseph sets out after her, along with a Chinese boy with his own mission, these two trek countless miles through the wilderness, facing bears, Indians, and dangerous men, all trying to find the only thing that will complete their hearts: family.

Told in Joseph's voice that's real to the time, these is an adventure of epic proportions that will have readers turning the pages until the end.

I really enjoyed this story. Joseph's grief felt real to me, and I can definitely understand how much his horse means to him. I own horses myself, and I'd do the very same thing if someone took my girl away.

This author has talent. Not only is he able to describe the location brilliantly, he also knows how to make the reader feel exactly what the characters were feeling. I could feel Joseph's desperation to get his horse back, his anger at the men who took her, his angst at another disappointment, it was all very real. Not only could I feel what Joseph was feeling, but also Ah-Kee.

This story will keep you guessing. With twists and turns that you didn't see coming, you won't be able to turn the pages fast enough.

Above all that I find great about this story, is it's memorable. If you follow my reviews, you'll notice me mentioning about this. For me, the biggest thing for me about a book is it being memorable. That I will remember the characters long after I've read the book, and it'll make me want to come back to it.

You will never forget this story and its characters, I can guarantee that.

All in all, amazing book that will definitely be reread for the years to come!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I nominate this, the hands down, best book to listen to with a group of boys, in the summer, on a roundtrip. It's Louis Lamour, for kids!

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved The Honest Truth, but I wasn't super excited for this one because the two genres it falls under (historical and adventure) are not usually ones that I gravitate to. I thought I would try the audio version and am glad I did--it was great.

The story is full of non-stop action and lots of emotion. Even if I wasn't 7 months pregnant I would have been reaching for the tissues (I recommend you keep some nearby). Joseph meets so many interesting characters on his journey to find his only remaining family member--his horse, Sarah--and there's a theme of what exactly things like "home" and "family" mean. It reads a little outlandish at times, and can also get a bit cheesy, but for me the strengths definitely outweighed any shortcomings.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot of the book is fine. I can see a lot of kids relating to the adventure, of a boy who has lost everything going after the one thing he has left.

I am left uncomfortable by the multicultural aspects of this book. I think that, at this point in time, if you are in children's literature and just going to use the term "Indian" without naming a tribe, then you're not doing enough. There is enough backlash and blogs to let you know that's not cool. If it had just been the pony, I think I would have been fine. However, I am skeptical that he wouldn't know a tribal name. Ah-Kee also left me uneasy, but I would be willing to concede that point if someone familiar with Chinese-Americans said it was fine.

[Kendall · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not like this because it dragged on for such a long time that I had no interest. I did not care what happened to the characters at all, I thought there was something unlikable about pretty much all of them. Some of the plot literally had no point and it just made me frustrated that the book was STILL going on. The main character, Joseph, was trying to get his horse Sarah back after it was sold but it kept just getting passed from person to person and he kept chasing it for SO LONG. I'm pretty sure that they could have cut out a hundred pages and it would still be boring. The ending was TOO perfect. It was not realistic, because after what happened I think it should not have turned out that way.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having really enjoyed Gemeinhat's newest book, The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, I wanted to read another of his books. Joseph Johnson has lost his entire family, and then his caretaker has sold Joseph's horse (Sarah) for drinking money. Sarah is all he had left, and Joseph decides he will pursue the man that bought her and buy her back starting an adventure, for which one really has to suspend belief. The best part of the book was Joseph's innocence, his bond with Sarah, and the friendship he develops for a lost Chinese boy, Ah-Kee, who does not speak English. Together, they survive a number of life-threatening experiences as Joseph keeps missing his quarry by an hour or two. I did not care for the dialect used in the book, which was unnecessary. Maybe 3.5 stars.

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1890 Washington, 12 year old Joseph Johnson has nearly lost everything. His mother and sister to typhoid and his pa to an unexpected wagon accident. He still has his horse, Sarah, until one day he returns to his caregivers home only to find that his pony was sold. This is the epic tale of Joseph's pursuit in finding and getting Sarah back. Having to forge his way though the rough terrain of the Cascade Mountains, facing harsh weather and the dangers of others, the kindness of a Chinese boy Ah-kee, and the unstoppable love he has for his horse. For those who are fond of Gary Paulson, you will certainly enjoy this saga. This is one not to be missed.

[Calista_C2]

Some Kind of Courage is a book about a young boy who has lost his family to sickness and has only his beloved horse left. After his horse is sold unrightfully, Joseph goes on a journey to get his horse back, the only part of his old life he has left. Along the way, he makes new friends, loses them, and finds a new home.
Some Kind of Courage is a brilliant book with themes along the line of finding yourself and coming of age. This book had themes I wasn't really into- the main one was realism. Most of the books I read were fantasy, and I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book, I just grabbed it off the shelf so I would have something to read. It was surprisingly good, and now I'm reading quite a few more realism books. This book is one of my favorites because it really hit me hard in the feels and it was a generally just a well-written book.

[DaNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second time around: Read this with much less critical eyes and am convinced that it is everything a middle-grade book should be. Full of action, moral fortitude, and great passion. We put this book on our Battle list this year and it is proving to the favorite of favorites.

First review: Thrilled to have an actiony western to hand to my students but the flatness of main character left me cringing as he "my Sarahed" to his noble end.

[Michelle Glatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things I am not a huge fan of:
Horse books
Historical fiction

Thing I am a huge fan of: this beautiful heartprint book that is, as the author says, mostly about family but is certainly a historical fiction book and a horse book.

I cheered Joseph on through his journey, gasped when he was in peril, and smiled when he was helped by or gave help to someone else.

Excellent middle grade literature.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, powerful, heart/warming! This story has it all. So so good. Read it!!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced action adventure set in the American West. Joseph has lost much in the past year, but when he also loses his horse, he is determined to get his beloved Sarah back. Gemeinhart's new middle grade novel is a hero quest and along the way Joseph must use every life lesson his parents have taught him to cope with the obstacles on his journey. He has to make some hard choices, and meets some incredible people, but with each encounter he shows strength, determination and courage. An inspiring story that will keep readers on the edge of their seat. Give this to Gary Paulsen fans looking for the next adventure.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars from my 9 year old son and myself. We completely enjoyed reading this adventure filled book together. The main character, Joseph, is a determined boy with excellent values. The best part for me was how my son fully recognized Joseph's admirable qualities and we had a great post-read conversation together.

[Natalia Block · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book! I loved how there was many different problems and challenges Joseph went through. The book was never boring, it always had unexpected twists and turns. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

[Libby Manship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Young Hoosier book recommendation from my 11-year old! Quick read and lots of excitement with an old western feel. It ends in a great way after lots of suspense. I hope this is made into a movie or series. Will definitely look for more from this author!

[Leni - From The White Cottage · Rating 5 out of 5]

6/5 *
I just loved it! Even more than "The Honest Truth".
Had to go cuddle my horse after finishing <3

[SR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Posted On Marvelous Eden of Books

Spoiler Free Review:

I read The Honest Truth, Dan Gemeinhart's debut last year. I have a review, which was my very first review and it is very embarrassing, you can read it, but I wouldn't recommend it. Anyway, I'm still amazed at how he managed to create a beautiful coming of age story. It became one of my favorites of last year, so I was eagerly anticipating his next book. Some Kind of Courage is quite different than his first novel. It is a western historical fiction, but still a wonderful, adventurous coming of age story.

I adored the writing style in this book. The book is narrated in first person point of view from Joseph's point of view. The writing in The Honest Truth was simple, but the simplicity was what made it beautiful. In this book, the writing has a western feel to it which goes with the time period of 1890. The characters had a Southern accent and I could clearly imagine them talking. If I ever decide to reread this book, I would definitely go for the audiobook.

Despite being a historical fiction, the time period that takes place is not one that many would know about. The 1890s doesn't necessarily depict a pivotal time in history, it's mostly forgotten. However, there are many important topics brought up that I was not expecting. The premise seems simple enough. A boy goes on a journey to get his horse back. Dan Gemeinhart really does dig deep into a dark and serious place. He brings up the topic of racism back then, specifically how people treated people who were Chinese or any person of color. They were handled in a tactful way and I enjoyed the addition of those aspects.

The main character, Joseph was not an outstanding character, by any means. He's respectful and brave, a little too generic, but I didn't hate him. Mostly, I loved the friendships he developed with the other characters. His companionship with his horse, Sarah was so sweet and even we didn't see much of Sarah, you could tell how loyal the two were to each other. Additionally, there is another friendship Joseph develops with a character that really one of the reasons for my high rating. The two couldn't understand each other since they both spoke different languages, but they understood each other on a different level. The friendship they developed was loyal and strong. Who this character is, I will leave the reader to discover on their own.

I did have a small issue with the fact that the story followed a similar format to the author's previous book. It didn't bother me that much but there could have been more of a distinction. Overall, I would recommend checking out this book solely for the writing or the friendships or just the entirety of it. Dan Gemeinhart knows how to write incredible stories, and I will be picking up his future books.
Rating: 4/5

[Christina Getrost · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! Reminded me a lot of one of my favorites from childhood, I Want My Sunday, Stranger!, which has a similar premise: boy sets out to find his missing horse. But while that book was set during the Civil War and takes place in a wide array of locales across the country over the span of the war, this one is set in a specific location, the 1890 frontier of Washington state. It's been ages since I read the Sunday book, so my memories are probably hazy, and I'd love to read it again now to compare the two. But anyway, Some Kind of Courage has a terrific main character, Joseph, who's 12 and has had to do a lot of growing up in just a year. He lost his mother and younger sister to typhoid, and then his father died in a wagon accident, leaving him homeless and orphaned, to be cared for by a complete stranger who is the poster child for how NOT to raise a kid: he's a drunken reprobate who sells Joseph's beloved horse Sarah without telling Joseph. But as soon as Joseph finds out, he is determined to track her down and get her back, because she's not just his dear horse, she's his only family. His journey is hard, on foot at first, through mountainous wilderness, but he perseveres, and also helps others along the way, including a lost Chinese boy who doesn't speak English but who becomes his best friend. I loved the beautiful harsh frontier setting with its callous backstabbing horse traders, hardy homesteaders, etc., and there is a lot of action that will keep kid readers entertained (including some funny scenes). But primarily this is a story of a young boy who's had to become a man way too soon, and how he grieves and honors the memory of his dead parents in everything he does; he is very honorable and unprejudiced in his actions, and never takes the easy way out even when his life is at stake. I also loved how the adults in the story continually underestimate him. And man, it's a good horse story--I don't know if other folks will actually tear up as I did at a certain point in the story, but I repeat, it's a *good* horse story.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I can't believe I loved this middle school book designed for 8-12 year old children so much! I chose this book because I love the cover and I needed a book with a title that didn't go horizontal for a challenge. As soon as I finished it I purchased it for my two granddaughters, ages 9 and 14...siblings. The 14 year old takes horseback riding lessons and works for her lessons every Saturday. I know they will both connect, even though the book is designed more for my 9 year old.

The story follows and orphan named Joseph whose horse was sold by the man who is now supposed to be taking care of him, and Joseph sets out on a journey to find "[his] Sarah," no matter what it takes. He would/and did go to the ends of the earth to try finding her. I am an emotional basket-case right now because this story completely tore at my heart over and over and over again.

This is in True Grit style, I guess you could say. It's during the day of cowboy and Indians. And Joseph took off on his own with nothing but a gun really, not even a horse. He didn't care because he was after the ONE thing he had: his Sarah. Along the way he found an unlikely friend, encountered a Grizzly (and what an exciting scene), horse race competitions, white waters, killing, and just a book that will tug at your heartstrings. I don't care that it is easy to read, uncomplicated, geared toward a younger audience, it is an amazing book with a story that will stay with you a very, very long time, if not forever (as I believe it will with me)!

Mr. Gemeinhart, if you ever read this review I just want to say THANK YOU for a book/story that has real meaning to it. It's truly quality throughout! Wow! I just followed you on Amazon. LOL Thank you so much for writing this. I can't wait for my granddaughters to read it.

Recommendation: PLEASE! Read this book and share it!!! I'm a grandmother and recently retired school teacher, and I am going to make sure my ex-colleagues know about this book, even though I taught high school. This would be a good book for reluctant readers of ANY age. Young and old(er)!

[Holly Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of wonderful children's literature this year, but this one captured my heart hook, line, and sinker. It's my new favorite pick for the 2017 Newbery. It's got everything - action, adventure, survival, love, loyalty, heart, courage, hope, grit, friendship, honor, and a horse. What more could you ask for in a story?! It's also a journey story with a reluctant hero. My favorite kind. I laughed, cried, sat on the edge of my seat, and didn't want it to end. I loved how Gemeinhart skillfully dealt with the outlaw's demise in order to keep Joseph's standards for himself intact. I also loved the friendship between Joseph and Ah-Kee. A friendship that was forged and fought for even without a common language. I've never read The Honest Truth - it's one of those Scholastic Book Club books that managed to make its way from the box into kids' hands without me ever getting to read it. My students would read it, wipe away their tears, and tell me I HAD to read it! I brought it home this summer so I could finally do just that, but I managed to read this one first. Now I know what my next book is! Some Kind of Courage WILL be a read aloud this coming year.
"That's how memories work, I suppose; you just go through life collecting them, never letting go of the precious ones but leaving room in your heart for more."
"And life was going on, all around me. With or without me, it was going on. It weren't a matter of the whole thing stopping or the whole thing going on. The whole thing was going on. It was only a matter of me standing up and deciding what part I had to play in it all."
"Taking care is what we do, I s'pose. It's all we can do, really. All we can do is be there. And sometimes that's enough."
Boy, do I love that Joseph. And this book.

[Levi Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another brilliant novel from the genius Dan Gemeinhart. This novel is about family, love, connection, determination, and friendship. It shows Joesph Johnson face many obsticals in order to find his red-and-white paint horse, Sarah.

I loved this book (not as much as The Honest Truth) but loved it none the less. At first I thought it could have been quite a beige book, where nothing stood out and made it memorable... But I'm so glad I was wrong! Just like The Honest Truth, the ending is a twist that makes the book finish perfectly. The friendship between Joseph and Ah-Kee was beautiful, showing how language barriers are not a necessity for a strong bond.

Some kind of courage is a book I will remember years from now, and how choices can be made no matter how hard the scenario. Highly recommend this book for fans of The Honest Truth, fans of adventure novels, and fans of enjoyable books in general. Thank you Dan, another fantastic read... I look forward to the next!

[Aliza Werner · Rating 5 out of 5]

To follow up THE HONEST TRUTH, one of my absolute favorites of 2015, is no easy feat, but Dan Gemeinhart's second middle grade novel brings the heart, adventure, and strength in writing of his debut novel. At no point did I want to put the book down...so I didn't. I read cover to cover the beautifully historically set story of journey, family, and doing the right thing even when it's the hard thing. COURAGE will take readers on an incredible adventure as Joseph sets off to find his sweet horse, his other half of his heart, Sarah, who was sold without his consent. Along the way, he is tested in heart, mind, and body. I will forever look forward to Gemeinhart's unique stories, full of the important "stuff" of life, without ever being indulgent or sappy. I'll be book talking this one for ages.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

When book nerds take a break it's a safe assumption reading will be involved. Sometimes a couple of chapters stretch into an hour. The task at hand is resumed but completed as quickly as possible so the reluctantly-paused reading can begin again. An evening vanishes as well as most of the following morning until the final word is read. In less than twenty-four hours a two hundred thirty-four page book is consumed.

This kind of book makes everything else disappear as you drop into the story. This kind of book is worth SHOUTING about long and loud. Some Kind Of Courage (Scholastic Press, January 26, 2016) written by Dan Gemeinhart, author of the highly successful The Honest Truth (Scholastic Press, January 25, 2015), is one of those books.


My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Terris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is our "One Book/One Community" book this year (2017). I only read it because our book club is reading it to be a part of the community read. When I started it, I didn't expect to like it very much. But as I got into the story, I started to really enjoy the characters and the author's "down home" writing style. The main character, Joseph, is an orphan, in the west, sometime around the Civil War era. And the man who is his guardian has just sold Joseph's horse, Sarah, who is the only "family" that he has left. So Joseph sets out, on what turns out to be a very exciting adventure, to get his horse back. And I think he learns a lot along the way. It is a very easy, quick read, and I am anxious to discuss it at my book club, and also talk to some students in town about what they thought of this book (I also think it would make a good movie!).

[Brittany]

I found this really preachy, the "survival" to be far too easily overcome, and so many adults way too pure good or evil. And the ending? Put a bow on top. C'mon, if you're going to write a "dead dog" book at this point in time, you've got to make it dynamic. This wasn't.
And don't even get me started on the racism. Oh, good job making mom conveniently empathetic enough to teach this kid that "Chinaman" is a slur and that peoples is peoples, but then maybe don't portray the Chinese character as a stereotype good at everything and quiet with his little charm. Not to mention the portrayal of the Natives... "growling like a wolf," multiple references to "the Indian" and the Chief of no-name-nation being GEORGE. Ugh.

[Sarah Krajewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing tale of love, friendship, loyalty, and determination! Joseph doesn't have much anymore. His parents and sister are gone, so the only family he has left is his horse Sarah. Unfortunately for Joseph, the old man that was supposed to care for him sold Sarah behind Joseph's back. But Joseph is determined. He plans to get Sarah back, no matter the cost. I fell in love with this book from page one, just like I did with The Honest Truth. I will forever read any book that Dan Gemeinhart writes.