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Cover of Never Curse the Rain: The Adventures of Wilder Good #9

Never Curse the Rain: The Adventures of Wilder Good #9

by S. J. Dahlstrom

Book Details

Publisher:Paul Dry Books
Published:2025-06-17
Pages:175
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

Age Range:6-10

About This Book

"Does praying for rain work?" Thirteen-year-old Wilder Good asks his grandfather, Papa, that question on a spring break visit to his ranch in West Texas. The ranch is mired in another drought and when Wilder's cousin from New York, Frankie, accidentally starts a wildfire, chaos erupts. Wilder and Frankie witness Papa struggle through the weariness from fire, drought, and loss, and face family myth and folklore for the first time. Wilder and Frankie discover adventure in every canyon from wild pi

Our Review

This coming-of-age western adventure explores the complex relationship between faith and nature through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Wilder during a spring break visit to his grandfather's drought-stricken Texas ranch. When his cousin accidentally starts a wildfire, Wilder confronts the harsh realities of ranch life while wrestling with profound questions about prayer, family legacy, and the unpredictable forces of the natural world. The narrative captures the tension between youthful adventure and adult responsibilities as the boys navigate canyons filled with both danger and discovery.

What distinguishes this story is its authentic portrayal of intergenerational wisdom and the raw challenges of rural life, offering young readers a window into resilience and environmental stewardship. Children who enjoy character-driven adventures with emotional depth will connect with Wilder's journey toward understanding family traditions and the delicate balance between human needs and nature's power. The novel thoughtfully examines how family stories and folklore shape our relationship with the land, leaving readers with lasting insights about responsibility and respect for the natural world.

Themes

Juvenile Fiction

Subjects

Juvenile Fiction