Johnny Texas

I first read this book when I was about nine years old. I won a copy in a book reading contest when I was in the fourth grade--a copy of the book went to the boy and girl who read the most books in a certain time period. The books were autographed by Ms. Hoff on her deathbed. Tragically, the book was lost in a move many years ago, but I still treasure the memory of the story of Johann and the deep love he came to have for Texas. I still get choked up over the part where, believing that he will soon be leaving Texas, he is moved to tears by the song of a mockingbird. What a treasure this book is!

When I was 6 years old in 1950, my grandmother took me to a special event at the local drug store in Yorktown, Texas, which as of three years ago still had the original iron hitching posts along the sidewalk. The event was the local release of Johnny Texas, and Carol Hoff was signing copies of her new book. Recently my sister came across my copy and sent it to me. It's pretty ragged by now, having been read several times by me and having subsequently gone through a number of other kids. But I was overjoyed to find that it still has the same magic it had 50 years ago. I recently reviewed a number of books for a school curriculum program, and it was daunting to find just how muddy, disjointed and confused--both emotionally and philosophically--most "modern" juvenile fiction has become. All these years of pop psychology and political correctness have taken their toll. We no longer tell stories kids are expected to enjoy; we indoctrinate future citizens of the gray zone. Johnny Texas is about real people confronting and handling challenges in a real world. Their motivations are recognizable, their moral choices unambiguous. The history is fascinating. More importantly, real kids in or out of Texas will still find this one heck of a great story. Given current literacy levels, I'd say it's good for ages 8 - 12--also for English as a Second Language programs.

I read this book when I was in the second grade. It's about a family from Germany that settles in Texas, during its formative days. Their young boy, Johann, is soon re-christened "Johnny Texas" in recognition of the family's new life. One day, Dad comes home with a slave, a young black man named Tobias who seems eternally morose, because they need help on their farm. Soon, Dad decides to give Tobias his freedom; thereafter, Tobias is a much happier fellow. He puts his bill of sale (proof of freedom) in a leather pouch and wears it around his neck.Later, Dad gets involved in the war for Texas independence, and readers are treated to a BRIEF recap of the Battle of San Jacinto, wherein Sam Houston routed the Mexican army and captured Santa Anna.This is a good book for seven-year-old Texans because they will, if they have been properly educated, recognize much of the Texas history -- plus, it's a simple story organized into chapters, and serves as an excellent introduction to the world of literature. I recommend this book to kids throughout the United States. Texas history is more interesting than the history of any other state, and everyone should learn about it.

This book packs adventure, strong characters, and an accurate account of early Texas history into a literary delight for young readers. Perfect as a "read-aloud," this book captures the interests of students ranging from those with "sensitive souls" to the "rough-and-tumble" variety. Chronicling an immigrant family from Germany who left Europe to find freedom, readers experience authentic pioneer adventure as the main character, Johnny, a ten year old boy, learns some of life's hardest lessons. I appreciated this book for its eye-opening treatment of the slavery issue. Many of my third grade students developed a deeper sensitivity and gratitude for their personal freedoms after the reading of this book. There are many "cliff-hanger" moments in this writing and be prepared,you may need a tissue every now and then. You'll enjoy reading this book again and again whether you are from Texas or not.

This book is an old-fashioned adventure story in which a young boy shoulders the responsibility of taking care of his family. Refreshingly politically incorrect!