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Little Britches #5
The Fields of Home
1912 Massachussetts. Narrator Ralph 15 battles maternal Granpa Tom Gould, who swears at "tarnal" boy, cook Millie, old "yalla colt". Ralph tames buckskin by tricks - ties ears back, fills mouth with dirt, apple bribes. Granpa busts invented "contraptions". Millie goes. Uncle Levi advises patience. Pretty Annie and Ralph hold hands. Rocks, roots dynamited. Barn raised.
335 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1953
About the author
Ralph Moody
106 books185 followersRalph Moody was an American author who wrote 17 novels and autobiographies about the American West. He was born in East Rochester, New Hampshire, in 1898 but moved to Colorado with his family when he was eight in the hopes that a dry climate would improve his father Charles's tuberculosis. Moody detailed his experiences in Colorado in the first book of the Little Britches series, Father and I Were Ranchers.
After his father died, eleven-year-old Moody assumed the duties of the "man of the house." He and his sister Grace combined ingenuity with hard work in a variety of odd jobs to help their mother provide for their large family. The Moody clan returned to the East Coast some time after Charles's death, but Moody had difficulty readjusting. Following more than one ill-timed run-in with local law enforcement, he left the family home near Boston to live on his grandfather's farm in Maine. His later Little Britches books cover his time in Maine and subsequent travels through Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Kansas—including stints as a bust sculptor and a horse rider doing "horse falls" for motion pictures—as he worked his way back toward Colorado while continuing to support his family financially.
Moody's formal education was limited, but he had a lifelong interest in learning and self-education. At age 50, he enrolled in a writing class, which eventually led to the publication of Father and I Were Ranchers. In addition to the Little Britches series, Moody wrote a number of books detailing the development of the American West. His books have been described as crude in the language of the times but are highly praised by Moody's readership and have been in continuous publication since 1950.
After a period as livestock business owner in rural Kansas, Moody sent to Massachusetts for his former sweetheart, Edna. They married and moved to Kansas City. They had three children.—Source
After his father died, eleven-year-old Moody assumed the duties of the "man of the house." He and his sister Grace combined ingenuity with hard work in a variety of odd jobs to help their mother provide for their large family. The Moody clan returned to the East Coast some time after Charles's death, but Moody had difficulty readjusting. Following more than one ill-timed run-in with local law enforcement, he left the family home near Boston to live on his grandfather's farm in Maine. His later Little Britches books cover his time in Maine and subsequent travels through Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Kansas—including stints as a bust sculptor and a horse rider doing "horse falls" for motion pictures—as he worked his way back toward Colorado while continuing to support his family financially.
Moody's formal education was limited, but he had a lifelong interest in learning and self-education. At age 50, he enrolled in a writing class, which eventually led to the publication of Father and I Were Ranchers. In addition to the Little Britches series, Moody wrote a number of books detailing the development of the American West. His books have been described as crude in the language of the times but are highly praised by Moody's readership and have been in continuous publication since 1950.
After a period as livestock business owner in rural Kansas, Moody sent to Massachusetts for his former sweetheart, Edna. They married and moved to Kansas City. They had three children.—Source
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
March 23, 2022
Missing Mary Emma although she makes a reading aloud appearance. Grandpa is quite the character.
October 20, 2008
The Fields of Home is my least favorite of this series but I highly recommend you don't skip it. At this point in the story Ralph is living with his grandfather and it seems like he is constantly criticizing Ralph. But it has it's redeeming qualities and I wouldn't want to miss this portion of Ralph's experiences and how he handles all of it.
This book takes place in Maine & I found the following review from Amazon of interest and thought I would share it:
"If one was brought up ( as I was ) in Maine, farming with horses - the reality of the narrative is apparent.... Moody was writing about real people who actually existed! Tom Gould (the Grandfather) was a Civil War Vet - Company I, 16th Maine; he actually did work the farm described in the book; his father, Jacob, actually did clear the farm from the wilderness; Tom actually was born when his father was 72, etc., etc. A boulder in nearby Hillside Cemetery in Lisbon memorializes Jacob, Tom and the farm which is the setting for this book. This is a cultural thumb print of turn-of-the-century Maine. One might also explore the writings of another of Tom's grandsons (and Ralph Moody's first cousin), Maine author, John Gould."
This book takes place in Maine & I found the following review from Amazon of interest and thought I would share it:
"If one was brought up ( as I was ) in Maine, farming with horses - the reality of the narrative is apparent.... Moody was writing about real people who actually existed! Tom Gould (the Grandfather) was a Civil War Vet - Company I, 16th Maine; he actually did work the farm described in the book; his father, Jacob, actually did clear the farm from the wilderness; Tom actually was born when his father was 72, etc., etc. A boulder in nearby Hillside Cemetery in Lisbon memorializes Jacob, Tom and the farm which is the setting for this book. This is a cultural thumb print of turn-of-the-century Maine. One might also explore the writings of another of Tom's grandsons (and Ralph Moody's first cousin), Maine author, John Gould."
September 28, 2017
These books are rich in many beautiful lessons. My husband and I are enjoying this series together.
June 6, 2009
I think everyone should read all of the Little Britches series, but my favorites were Little Britches and Mary Emma and Company so I'm only giving the other books a four rating even though I really enjoyed all of them. They give a glimpse into life that makes us realize how important hard work and cheerfulness and determination really are and how much they can impact our success in life.
May 13, 2013
There are two books in this series that the repeated exclamations used drove us absolutely CRAZY! "Betcha my life" of The Home Ranch and "gorry sakes alive," "tarnal" anything, " and "great day of judgment" from The Fields of Home. In fact, if ever I want to tease and get a rise out of one of my boys, I use those phrases. ;) Even with all the wonderful examples of work and skill in these books, the repetition of those phrases by Grandpa and Uncle has ruined the reading aloud of any more books in this series. My boy insists that that isn't the reason, but I can see it is a major part of it. Do your self a favor, from the very start don't read aloud those phrases, not even in your mind.
I am a sucker for memoirs of days gone by when 11 yr olds are sent out to get a chicken from the yard, dress it and bring it in for dinner. Ralph is 15 in this book and his skill and competence at work, invention and self sufficiency amazes me. I long for a lifestyle like that for my family.
Ralph's ability to stay with that tarnal fool grandpa of his amazes me, not many would have stuck it out. It was refreshing to finally see the change in him, but it didn't happen soon enough or for a long enough duration before the book ended. In my mind, his is still mostly a sick man.
I am a sucker for memoirs of days gone by when 11 yr olds are sent out to get a chicken from the yard, dress it and bring it in for dinner. Ralph is 15 in this book and his skill and competence at work, invention and self sufficiency amazes me. I long for a lifestyle like that for my family.
Ralph's ability to stay with that tarnal fool grandpa of his amazes me, not many would have stuck it out. It was refreshing to finally see the change in him, but it didn't happen soon enough or for a long enough duration before the book ended. In my mind, his is still mostly a sick man.
November 10, 2019
I've been increasingly impressed with the character development in this series. Here, every time we listened to another chapter, the kids were eager to discuss how Ralph and his Grandfather were coming to terms with each other's strengths and weaknesses. I don't know the last time we've all been so opinionated over the characters in a children's book. I found myself falling in love with the irascible old man (and the family farm) as Ralph did. While it's been fun to see Ralph's ingenuity over the past few books, it's beautiful to see his soul soften as he accepts insults, even when he knows he's right and his grandpa is wrong, learns to be patient with an old man set in his ways, and learns to put another's self worth ahead of his own. Like all the Little Britches books, the last two chapters really pick up the pace, but the ending is wonderful. Definitely well worth rereading!
December 27, 2011
My favorite Ralph Moody book so far. His memoirs of growing up in 1910's America show how much life has changed in 100 years. I doubt teens today could do half of what they did back then.
January 14, 2024
This was a fun listen! My husband and I did it together whenever we had longer car rides. We laughed quite a bit, enjoyed discussing some of the life lessons Ralph learned, and sharing the sentimental moments together.
This was a fun story, but it’s not a favorite of the series … because of Grandpa. My goodness, Ralph sure does a good job of conveying how irritating living/working with Grandpa was. I felt my mettle tried just listening, and like Ralph, wasn’t sure how much more of grumpy, complaining Grandpa I could take. Ha, ha!
But.
The ending made it all soooo very worth it! It ends with such a sweet, touching scene. It reminds me of the ending of Strawberry Girl by Lenski.
A great family read-aloud but it’s also a good audio!
Ages: 8+
Content Considerations: “d*mn” and “h*ll” are used. “Gory sakes” is practically used every time Grandpa opens his mouth; also “tarnal fool.” There are a couple conversations about girls, noticing them, liking them and wanting to kiss one. There is a mild romance throughout the book with the main character. There is a kiss - not very mushy.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
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This was a fun story, but it’s not a favorite of the series … because of Grandpa. My goodness, Ralph sure does a good job of conveying how irritating living/working with Grandpa was. I felt my mettle tried just listening, and like Ralph, wasn’t sure how much more of grumpy, complaining Grandpa I could take. Ha, ha!
But.
The ending made it all soooo very worth it! It ends with such a sweet, touching scene. It reminds me of the ending of Strawberry Girl by Lenski.
A great family read-aloud but it’s also a good audio!
Ages: 8+
Content Considerations: “d*mn” and “h*ll” are used. “Gory sakes” is practically used every time Grandpa opens his mouth; also “tarnal fool.” There are a couple conversations about girls, noticing them, liking them and wanting to kiss one. There is a mild romance throughout the book with the main character. There is a kiss - not very mushy.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
August 20, 2023
Love this series, love reading it as a family.
May 6, 2008
I loved this installment in the Ralph Moody biographical series. To my mind, this is the best one, after the first, Little Britches.
I love the characters of his grandfather, Millie and Uncle Levi. This would be a fun one to read aloud to be able to put all the life into the words of Grandfather. He's a hoot. Lots of good lessons to be learned from this book.
I love the characters of his grandfather, Millie and Uncle Levi. This would be a fun one to read aloud to be able to put all the life into the words of Grandfather. He's a hoot. Lots of good lessons to be learned from this book.
December 8, 2018
I loved this book of the Ralph Moody series. :D
Grandfather was frustrating at times, but everything turned out okay... and he was kinda funny when he got mad. ;)
Ralph learned a lot in this book and Uncle Levi helped out quite a bit! The parts with him, Ralph, and Annie were funny. XD
I was glad that Millie
I definitely recommend this series for families to read out loud together!
4 stars! :)
Grandfather was frustrating at times, but everything turned out okay... and he was kinda funny when he got mad. ;)
Ralph learned a lot in this book and Uncle Levi helped out quite a bit! The parts with him, Ralph, and Annie were funny. XD
I was glad that Millie
I definitely recommend this series for families to read out loud together!
4 stars! :)
March 23, 2019
We loved this one. Grandfather is quite the character.
October 18, 2020
My least favorite of these books so far, because of the ornery old grandpa. I got tired of his grouchiness awfully quickly, and it really bother me how everyone excused his behavior and let him get away with chasing off farmhands and being set in his ways to the point of ridiculousness. He was a mess of contradictions and untamed habits, insults and pride and love, and I was surprised Ralph stayed as long as he did; it’s a testament to his own character. After Levi explained about why Grandpa was the way he was, I understood better but still didn’t approve, especially of how Levi and Millie (not to mention anyone in his youth, apparently) never challenged his childishness. A cautionary tale of what you might end up as if you can’t master your own passions and learn to look at the world and your own experience rationally as well as emotionally. End of rant.
Other than Grandpa, this story is filled with Moody’s trademark grit and determination, finding the good in a difficult situation and seeing his obligations (stated or internally felt) through to the end as best he can. Grandpa obviously plays a large part in this, and the story would perhaps be vastly different if he had been a nicer fellow. Ralph butts heads with him frequently, and it’s humorous that their major point of contention is that they both think their father’s way of doing things is the best.
It all ends up right in the end, Ralph’s hard work and steadiness paying dividends in his relationship with his grandfather as well as on the farm. It ended a bit abruptly, but it was pretty satisfying all the same.
Other than Grandpa, this story is filled with Moody’s trademark grit and determination, finding the good in a difficult situation and seeing his obligations (stated or internally felt) through to the end as best he can. Grandpa obviously plays a large part in this, and the story would perhaps be vastly different if he had been a nicer fellow. Ralph butts heads with him frequently, and it’s humorous that their major point of contention is that they both think their father’s way of doing things is the best.
It all ends up right in the end, Ralph’s hard work and steadiness paying dividends in his relationship with his grandfather as well as on the farm. It ended a bit abruptly, but it was pretty satisfying all the same.
April 5, 2009
This is the first Moody book I've read, so I can't say anything about this installment compared to the rest of the series; but I can say that I loved every page of this one and was itching to read some passages aloud, even if just to myself! :) Grandfather, Millie, and Uncle Levi are true New Englanders to the core and the interaction going on amongst themselves and with Ralph is so very entertaining on a number of levels! Aside from just the humor and colloquial fun of the book, there are also a lot of great lessons being learned on all sides--deeper developments in the characters that are sometimes not even really addressed but are still evident and important.
I would say that this (and probably the rest of the series) is a must-read for any boy, and when I (Lord-willing!) have boys of my own one day, I fully plan on reading these aloud to them. Can't you see it now--me, with book in hand, surrounded by an adorably hearty and barefoot swarm of tanned boys in overalls? Doesn't that just strike a picture of irresistable quaintness in your mind? (I have a thing for little boys, particularly barefooted ones in overalls... ;)
I would say that this (and probably the rest of the series) is a must-read for any boy, and when I (Lord-willing!) have boys of my own one day, I fully plan on reading these aloud to them. Can't you see it now--me, with book in hand, surrounded by an adorably hearty and barefoot swarm of tanned boys in overalls? Doesn't that just strike a picture of irresistable quaintness in your mind? (I have a thing for little boys, particularly barefooted ones in overalls... ;)
October 26, 2008
Though all the Ralph Moody books are well-written and are good for families to read aloud together, this ohe is my personal favorite. It shows how a teen-age boy and his ornery grandfather who could get along with no one managed to live and work together in spite of their differences in age and outlook. Thjeir relationship was tested often as the grandfather kep calling Ralph a "tarnal fool" when he wanted to use more modern technology on their farm, when he wanted to use eggs in cooking , etc. I know few 15-year-old boys today who would take the verbal abuse as well as Ralph did, and he was often tempted to run away and go back west where his grew up. But the two finally learned to love and appreciate each other.
June 10, 2014
I am stuck trying to think of something to say that won't, in some way, spoil it a little bit....therefore, I'll recommend Ralph Moody's autobiographic series of books be first read in its queue up to Fields of Home to reap the most pleasure. Oh, read it! It is my favorite so far. This is the 2nd x read of The Fields of Home for my son and I. ~~ Now I am editing - just to say that Moody's next book, "Shaking the Nickel Bush", is not to be missed! A gem...and if you are fortunate, you will listen to it by CD with companionship.
February 20, 2014
Wonderful book in this series which I highly recommend. Especially good for parents raising a boy to read this aloud. There are lots of opportunities to pull "life lessons" from these books. I cruised through this one because it was so good and because I have a bad cold and I couldn't do much else.
In this installment Ralph goes to Maine to live with his grandpa and help him farm. His grandpa is difficult to live with (an understatement!), but they find a way to get along by the end. I got a little teary here and there.
In this installment Ralph goes to Maine to live with his grandpa and help him farm. His grandpa is difficult to live with (an understatement!), but they find a way to get along by the end. I got a little teary here and there.
September 26, 2016
Second reading Sep 2016
This book is definitely darker and harder and more mature than the first four, but it is A really nice maturing of Ralph.
First reading Oct 2014
This book is definitely darker and harder and more mature than the first four, but it is A really nice maturing of Ralph.
First reading Oct 2014
March 25, 2014
This is seriously one of my most favorites book series ever!
July 12, 2016
This one did not disappoint! Wholesome and entertaining.
Our favorite line from the book: "Gory sakes alive! That oatmeal's saltier than Lot's wife!"
Our favorite line from the book: "Gory sakes alive! That oatmeal's saltier than Lot's wife!"
February 15, 2021
This one started out painfully. Ralph, who struggled with city life in Boston, was sent to live with his grandfather on his farm in Maine. Grandfather was so cantankerous and all the time berating poor Ralph that I was thinking it was going to make for a long book.
Grandfather was known to be a notoriously difficult person. He'd previously driven off all of his children, many hired hands, and finally his housekeeper/cook Millie, and Ralph. Due in large part to Uncle Levi's (grandfather's brother) intervention, things radically changed with grandfather, and Ralph and eventually Millie too, returned to the farm. Ralph and grandfather both had their areas of expertise, and it was great when they could finally both use their knowledge and skills and work together to make the farm flourish.
From the beginning, I thought this would be my least favorite book the in the series, but I ended up enjoying it immensely. Ralph's ingenuity never ceases to amaze me.
"Get it off your stomach, Ralph," he told me. "It's the things he keeps down that poisons a man; not the things he gets rid of." "Well, I might be a fool," I said, "but I don't like to be told it forty times in five minutes." "A tarnal fool?" Uncle Levi asked, and winked at me.
"Was all men as respecting of the Almighty as bees is of their queen, there'd be no call for neither jails nor courthouses."
Then he said, "Time wears lots of things out of a man's mem'ry, too, Ralphie. Ones he hates to lose, and ones he yearns to."
Grandfather was known to be a notoriously difficult person. He'd previously driven off all of his children, many hired hands, and finally his housekeeper/cook Millie, and Ralph. Due in large part to Uncle Levi's (grandfather's brother) intervention, things radically changed with grandfather, and Ralph and eventually Millie too, returned to the farm. Ralph and grandfather both had their areas of expertise, and it was great when they could finally both use their knowledge and skills and work together to make the farm flourish.
From the beginning, I thought this would be my least favorite book the in the series, but I ended up enjoying it immensely. Ralph's ingenuity never ceases to amaze me.
"Get it off your stomach, Ralph," he told me. "It's the things he keeps down that poisons a man; not the things he gets rid of." "Well, I might be a fool," I said, "but I don't like to be told it forty times in five minutes." "A tarnal fool?" Uncle Levi asked, and winked at me.
"Was all men as respecting of the Almighty as bees is of their queen, there'd be no call for neither jails nor courthouses."
Then he said, "Time wears lots of things out of a man's mem'ry, too, Ralphie. Ones he hates to lose, and ones he yearns to."
July 17, 2019
This book has quite a different feel from the previous ones in the series. Usually Ralph is praised for his resourcefulness and work ethic, but in this installment, he is living with his cantakerous grandfather and being scolded for everything. Much of the book is frustrating and I can easily picture what that grandfather must have been like, always yelling "tarnal fool," "let be, let be!" "Eat your victuals!" and constantly ranting about modern contraptions. I felt I learned more about Ralph's grandfather than Ralph. Ralph's immediate family is barely mentioned at all. However, Ralph learns lessons he has never had to before and the book has a satisfying ending. I'm eager to hear what happens in the next book.
Content note: Parents of younger readers may want to know that Ralph has a love interest in this book and his Uncle Levi asks Ralph several times if he has kissed her yet.
Content note: Parents of younger readers may want to know that Ralph has a love interest in this book and his Uncle Levi asks Ralph several times if he has kissed her yet.
July 10, 2019
Just like the previous titles in this series, The Fields of Home is an excellent story. The critical, negative grandfather makes this one hard to read, but stick with it! Ralph, encouraged by his Uncle Levi and some quality about the farm or his grandfather, or both - keeps coming back. I think he ends up redeeming his grandfather from a bitter and hopeless end. Ralph continues to grow into a hard working and innovative young man, and he experiences a mixture of triumph and humility as he wrestles with the wilderness and the war in his own heart and the hearts of those around him. I’m looking forward to the next title!
October 14, 2019
I do enjoy these books but this one had a lot of details about barn raising, clearing fields and was kind of technical in parts. The other problem was that I listened to the book. The reader is very good but the grandfather's voice was sometimes hard to understand. The reader did a great job with the Maine accent.
I did enjoy the parts about planting and gardens since I like gardening. I wonder how Ralph Moody remembered everything in such detail. Was he writing while everything was happening? I mean the barn raising...and how Grandfather planned it out, the butter churn. Maybe he researched after the fact but he did not have Google or Youtube. He wrote very descriptively.
I did enjoy the parts about planting and gardens since I like gardening. I wonder how Ralph Moody remembered everything in such detail. Was he writing while everything was happening? I mean the barn raising...and how Grandfather planned it out, the butter churn. Maybe he researched after the fact but he did not have Google or Youtube. He wrote very descriptively.
November 25, 2019
This has been, by far, my favorite book in the whole series so far. Ralph has a way of weaving the very true story of how he came to meet and farm with his grandfather... From a grandfather who is sad and consequently grumpy and mean, to a grandfather who’s finally found hope again, and then the coming of age of Ralph... He wrote the story in such a way that we fell in love with both the characters and the setting, Grandfather’s farm in Maine. The only thing I’d change is the rather abrupt ending. It left us wanting more, so much so that my oldest has been researching the author and his family so he can learn more about them. Such a good book!
September 20, 2024
I have read all of Ralph Moody's autobiographical books several times over the years. This is my favorite. Ralph has gotten in trouble with the law and is sent to live with his grandfather in Maine. Both are impulsive and quick-tempered, so there are many clashes, but it is quite apparent that they do also love each other. The book is both emotional and interesting with good characters. There is a highly satisfactory ending.
Out of curiosity, I did some internet searching. The barn built at the book's end burned down a few years later along with the the other farm buildings. The book says that the grandfather had lost his wife, giving the impression that she had died. Actually, they were divorced and she was still alive.
Out of curiosity, I did some internet searching. The barn built at the book's end burned down a few years later along with the the other farm buildings. The book says that the grandfather had lost his wife, giving the impression that she had died. Actually, they were divorced and she was still alive.
April 28, 2020
While I didn’t love this installment of Ralph’s story as much as the ones before it, I wouldn’t (couldn’t!) have missed it. Perhaps the book has a bit of a slow start—my beloved protagonist’s initial treatment by his grandfather was hard for me to love, and the redemption I so defensively needed and trustingly expected couldn’t come soon enough. Of one thing I am certain, that this season of Ralph Moody’s life impacted and further formed the teachable young man, and I look forward to watching as his next years play out.
December 23, 2023
Another great book of the adventures of the amazing Ralph Moody. This time he is sent to live with his grandfather, who was quite a grumpy mean old man. It was painful at times to watch their relationship. But toward the end of his life, the old man softened and it was heartwarming to see what Ralph learned from persevering with him. Very satisfying read. My only trouble is that I can't find out why Ralph eventually left the farm. What happened to the grandfather's farm?!? Please if anyone knows...I'd love to know.
August 4, 2021
Oh Ralphy! The first half of the book was a bit slow with grandpa's antics calling Ralph a 'tarnal fool boy' and getting rid of any 'contraption' that would make the work easier. I thought it funny how he would disappear for long periods of time while Ralphy was using his contraptions until the work was done. The last half was rewarding to see that grandpa truly loved Ralph and warmed up to his improvements on the farm. It was wonderfully rewarding to stick through to the end.
March 12, 2017
Sometimes hard for 10, 8 and 6yo boys to keep pace with as a read aloud but the story is so good and character building!! Will likely have them read again independently as 11-12yo. We have read all the Little Britches aloud and while this one moved slower, the lessons of hard work, ingenuity, compromise, and self-control are worth the commitment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews