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Many of today's books for middle-grade children feature monsters and magic, but few relate to the unique challenges of growing up on a ranch in today's West. It is difficult to find a novel that models life lessons even as it keeps the reader engaged. Winnemucca author Jan Young does both in her first novel, The Orange Slipknot (Raven Publishing) , geared especially to boys. A childish prank, Ben's GREAT IDEA, gets him into serious trouble with both his father and Fred, the crusty old cow boss on the Nevada ranch where Ben's dad cowboys. Ben must prove he can take responsibility for his actions. Even the reluctant reader will find in twelve-year-old Ben a hero to whom he can relate, and will be captivated by his adventures as he tries to walk in his father s footsteps.