Old Ramon by Jack Schaefer
A timeless story by the author of "Shane, Old Ramon" centers on a wise older shepherd, a young boy and two brave dogs. Ramon teaches Pedro, the son of his patron, how to care for a herd in the harsh terrain of the Mojave desert. Pedro learns about sheep and sandstorms, rattlensnakes and wolves; he also learns about friendship and loss, bravery and cool-headed wisdom. Set in the Old West, where the cultures of Mexico and Southern California converge, "OldRamon" offers both a journey back to the adventures of the past and a universal story of growing up.