The Loner

This Newbery Honor book tells the poignant story of a young, unnamed orphan boy who has known only hardship and loneliness, moving from one migrant family to another. After experiencing a profound loss, he finds himself utterly alone and near death in the vast Montana wilderness. There, he is discovered by Boss, a solitary shepherdess who has also known deep grief. Through their shared experiences and the kindness of others, the boy, now named David, slowly learns to trust, to love, and to find his place in a new, unconventional family. It's a powerful narrative about resilience, the healing power of connection, and the journey from being a "loner" to finding belonging.