Book cover of Father and I Were Ranchers

Book description

Ralph Moody was eight years old in 1906 when his family moved from New Hampshire to a Colorado ranch. Through his eyes we experience the pleasures and perils of ranching there early in the twentieth century. Auctions and roundups, family picnics, irrigation wars, tornadoes and wind storms give authentic color…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Father and I Were Ranchers as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I highly recommend this book to every parent. It is filled with gentle, practical wisdom in the setting of a frontier family. The father takes the time to teach through everyday experience and vivid analogies. We use his analogy of the “character house” all the time in our family. The mother has her own quiet strength, which the author shows more in the following books of the series. The book is also filled with the high energy and pranks of children, and the adventures of growing up on a ranch. A lovely true story, though be warned, you will cry…

From M. L.'s list on the quirks and joys of family life.

If you love Father and I Were Ranchers...

Book cover of Jane Addams: The Most Dangerous Woman in America

Jane Addams by Marlene Targ Brill,

This biography for middle-grade readers and up explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir worldwide. The story follows Addams' first childhood realization of how poverty limits lives, livelihoods, and health to her becoming one of the most beloved―and disliked―women of her day. She worked to…

Want books like Father and I Were Ranchers?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 66 books like Father and I Were Ranchers.

Browse books like Father and I Were Ranchers

Book cover of Red, White, and Whole
Book cover of Cheaper by the Dozen
Book cover of Owls in the Family

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Father and I Were Ranchers, you might also like...

Book cover of On the Horizon

On the Horizon by Lois Lowry,

Lois Lowry looks back at history through a personal lens as she draws from her own memories as a child in Hawaii and Japan, as well as from historical research, in this stunning work in verse for young readers.

On the Horizon tells the story of people whose lives were…

Book cover of Fires Burning Underground

Fires Burning Underground by Nancy McCabe,

It’s Anny’s first day of middle school and, after years of being homeschooled, her first day of public school ever. In art, Larissa asks what kind of ESP is her favorite: telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, or telekinesis? Tracy asks how she identifies: gay, straight, bi, asexual, pan, trans, or confused?

And…

5 book lists we think you will like!