Thunder Creek Ranch by Soya Spreen Bates

Orca Books Publishers, 2013. ISBN 9781459801127
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Thunder Creek Ranch is a short story full of adventure. When Jake visits the neighbouring ranch, even though he knows he shouldn't, a chain reaction of events unfolds. Jake and his younger brother Tommy are visiting their grandparents at Thunder Creek Ranch. Tommy is the annoying younger brother and Jake is expected to take Tommy wherever he goes. They are both expected to stick together and look out for each other. When Jake sees another boy at the neighbouring ranch, he can't resist heading over to see who it is. He leaves Tommy up a tree to keep watch and meets Cory, the owner's grandson. A quad bike ride, a chase, escaped cows and before the boys know it Tommy is lost and Jake is panicking. The sudden storm complicates things and the boys are about to discover why the ranch is called Thunder Creek.
Thunder Creek Ranch is an easy to read story with themes of adventure and listening to others. Jake has a great imagination and while he might forget to follow the rules sometimes he never gives up and always tries to do the right thing in the end. This short novel would be great for young readers choosing their first novels as well as for reluctant readers who prefer to avoid larger books. The boys in the story are all under 12 years of age and it is highly recommended for readers aged 8+.
Kylie Kempster