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Young Adult Fiction General

Bull Rider

by (author) Marilyn Halvorson

Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Initial publish date
Jan 2003
Category
General, Death & Dying, General (see also headings under Social Themes)
Recommended Age
12 to 18
Recommended Grade
8 to 12
Recommended Reading age
12 to 18
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781551432335
    Publish Date
    Jan 2003
    List Price
    $9.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781554695843
    Publish Date
    Jan 2003
    List Price
    $12.99

Classroom Resources

Download Teacher’s Guide

Where to buy it

Description

Layne wants nothing more than to follow in his father's footsteps and to be a bull rider.

His dad was one ride away from a National Championship when he got trampled to death. Layne wants to be able to give his dad that championship—by winning it for him. What he doesn't want, though, is to end up like his father and die in the rodeo arena. When the chance comes, Layne realizes he must face up to his greatest fear. With the help of his friend Jana, and his bratty younger sister, Layne learns to reach deep inside and trust himself.

Available in French as Monteur de taureau. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

About the author

Marilyn Halvorson is the award-winning author of a number of young adult novels set in Western Canada. When not writing, she runs her cattle ranch hear Sundre, Alberta. Marilyn's other books include Blood Brothers, Brothers and Strangers, Stranger on the Run and Stranger on the Line.

Marilyn Halvorson's profile page

Awards

  • Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
  • Commended, Texas Library Association (TLA) TAYSHAS List
  • Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice
  • Nominated, Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) Top Forty

Excerpt: Bull Rider (by (author) Marilyn Halvorson)

"No, Layne," Mom said in a tight voice. Her eyes met mine again. "Not the bull riding. You know how I feel about that."

I knew all right. We'd been through this scene so many times it was like living in an instant replay. But this time I fought back. "Yeah, and you know how I feel about it too."

"I don't care how you feel," Mom shot back. "All I know is that I watched a bull kill my husband and there's no way I'll risk watching one kill my son."

Editorial Reviews

"Highly Recommended."

CM Magazine

“Has potential for many different levels of readers...The strength of the book lies in the conflict that Halvorson describes, one familiar to members of the rodeo culture who know that the very thing they love can harm or kill the people they love even more.”

VOYA

"Halvorson is talented at seamlessly weaving in the settings and character descriptions with the rising action of the story."

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