This is Miguel—Miguel Chavez who held in his heart a secret with and yearned to go with the men of his family to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

He lives near Taos, New Mexico, where the members of the Chavez family have lived on a sheep-raising farm for many generations. They have guarded their sheep from the weather, sickness, and wild animals. Each week presents a new kind of danger to the flock and it is the job of the men of the family to protect it.

The Chavez who tells this story is not the oldest member of the family, nor the youngest, either. Miguel is right in the middle—too young to get everything he wants, like his older brother Gabriel; too old to be happy with everything he has, like little Pedro. And that is Miguel's problem and why he has a secret wish and why he tells his story. This last great adventure of a boy and his first great adventure as a man has its own peculiar mystery, it own special enchantment, because it takes place away out there between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the gorge of the Rio Grande.

Mr. Krumgold grew close to Miguel and his family when he visited them. He celebrated saints' days there with barbecues and dancing and fiddle playing. And now he tells the story of Miguel with such perception and understanding, with such power and beauty, that one feels that Miguel's own special San Ysidro must have wanted the story told.

From the dust jacket