Books like Bearstone by Will Hobbs
Cloyd Atcitty, fourteen, has avoided school for years and fled the group home for Native American boys that once sheltered him. Sent to work for Walter Landis, an elderly rancher on a remote Colorado farm, Cloyd discovers a turquoise bear carving in a cave above the ranch. Knowing the Utes’ deep reverence for bears, he keeps the stone, hoping it will grant him strength.
When a clash with Landis almost leads to disaster, the rancher offers Cloyd one final chance: together they will travel into the high peaks to reopen an abandoned gold mine. Across Colorado’s rugged summits—home to the state’s last grizzlies—Cloyd’s loyalty and bravery are tested as he confronts the wild and the demands of his own coming of age.
This tale weaves Native American heritage, rugged frontier adventure, and the emotional trials of a young boy finding his place in the world.
First publish date: 1989
Genre: Coming of Age/Teen Coming of Age
Authors: Will Hobbs
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