There are certain authors whose books I read over and over. Stephen Bly is one of those authors. He wrote a tremendous number of books, mostly historical and contemporary Western fiction, and even won a 2002 Christy Award. He grew up hearing stories of the Wild West days from his grandpa, worked on his grandpa's ranch when he was young, and later went on to be a pastor and then mayor of a tiny town next to a reservation. He wrote books for both MG and adult audiences.
In The Dog Who Would Not Smile, the first book of the Nathan T. Riggins series, twelve-year-old Nathan goes on a quest through the late 1800s West. With the help of a dog who just won't stop following him around, he searches Nevada for his parents.
The setup for the story seems like it could be scary, with a kid traveling alone through danger. But Nathan's straightforward personality, the helpful people he meets along the way, and God's clear protection keep this from being an anxious book. Instead, it's a fun story that makes the reader feel more confident in God's power.
Later books in the series continue Nathan's adventures, as he makes friends, acquires a pet buffalo, confronts dangerous characters, and grows in his relationship with God.
You might be wondering why I'm recommending historical fiction today instead of fantasy. There are two reasons. First, it's a really good book. And second, I think fantasy and really good historical fiction can be similar in a lot of ways, the most obvious of which is, they can both show you a new world!
Ages: 9 and up
Christian? Yes
Other books in the series: Coyote True, You Can Always Trust a Spotted Horse, The Last Stubborn Buffalo in Nevada, Never Dance with a Bobcat, Hawks Don't Say Goodbye (There are nice omnibus editions that collects books 1-3 and 4-6)
Other MG historical Westerns by Stephen Bly: Daring Rescue at Sonora Pass, Dangerous Ride Across Humboldt Flats, Mysterious Robbery on the Utah Plains, and the Retta Barre Oregon Trail trilogy
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