Cam O'Mara is a skateboarder who has no desire to be a bull rider, even though his Grandpa and his brother, Ben, are champions. Ben, a Marine, was "blown up" by an IED in Iraq. He has brain trauma, has lost a portion of his left arm, and is paralyzed. Cam loses a bet with Darrel. Darrel beats him at skateboarding so Cam has to ride a bull. He discovers that he like it. The O'Mara family has to deal with Ben's recovery. Grandma Jean, his Mom's mother, comes and involves Cam in various hi jinks. His Grandpa Roy refuses to sell calves. He doesn't want to jeopardize the future for the present. Cam's mother quits her job to be present for Ben. Cam is grounded for bad grades and for riding bulls. Cam rides Ugly and wins a bet with Ben to keep trying. Bull Rider is a great book about family dynamics, the heartbreak of war-related injury, determination, and the meaning of integrity.
2011 Truman Award Nominee
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