The Defender

By Nicholas Kalashnikoff, Claire Louden (Illustrator), George Louden Jr. (Illustrator)

A shepherd defies his village to protect wild rams, risking isolation in the Siberian mountains.

3.5/5 Goodreads · 122 ratings

144 pages

$5.95Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

In the icy Siberian mountains, shepherd Turgen faces a dire choice: protect the wild rams he loves or maintain his standing in a superstitious village. Once celebrated for his healing skills, Turgen becomes an outcast when a jealous shaman accuses him of endangering the community. As the villagers turn away, only the widow Marfa stands by him, challenging the fear that grips their hearts. Will Turgen's compassion for the rams cost him everything, or can he find a way to bridge the divide between man and nature? Discover a tale of courage and loyalty in a harsh, unforgiving land.

From the publisher

Friendship and human warmth are important all over the world but especially in the arctic chill of the Siberian mountains, where assistance from a neighbor can mean the difference between life and death. Nevertheless, a devoted shepherd named Turgen risks losing his place in the community for the sake of the wild rams that share his mountain home. The villagers used to admire Turgen for his skills as a healer, but their superstition overwhelms their gratitude when a jealous shaman denounces the gentle shepherd for protecting the endangered rams from hunters. Only the widow Marfa remains steadfast and refuses to shun the defender of wildlife.Recounted by an author with intimate experience of life in an isolated Siberian village, this Newbery Honor Book tells a timeless tale of warm hearts in a cold climate. Kirkus Reviews noted that this book is “of interest to all children on many levels, as it supplies animal interest, a good story, and an enchanting glimpse of an unfamiliar region.”