Patti Sherlock – Author

Sherlock’s dog Shakespeare served as the model for Wolfie, a Vietnam scout dog, in her book Letters from Wolfie.

Mark’s brother goes to Vietnam, and after Mark hears that dogs are being used to help protect the soldiers, he makes the uncomfortable decision to lend Wolfie to the Army.

“In this top-notch novel, Sherlock weaves together numerous threads of emotion, information, and plot so seamlessly that readers will be surprised by how much they’ve learned by the time they finish this deceptively simple story. Throughout the compelling narrative, youngsters not only watch Mark mature, but are also provided with a terrifying window into what is happening — politically, emotionally, and physically, to the soldiers.” – School Library Journal

“This wonderful novel tells the little-known heartbreaking story of the 4,000 dogs that provided protection and companionship to our soldiers in harm’s way. This is a story that ranks right up there with Where the Red Fern Grows.” – Roundup Magazine

One-City-One Book selection, Westminster, CO, 2005.
One County-One Book Selection, Solano Reads, CA.
Merial Human-Animal Bond Award, Dog Writers of America.
Finalist, Young Readers Medal, California
Finalist, Rebecca Caudill Award
Young Reader’s Teen Choice Award, Honor Book, Rhode Island
Maine Student Book Award nominee
Named to Pennsylvania Best Books and Lone Star Best Books lists
Junior Library Guild Selection

“Left in Idaho for the summer with his crotchety grandfather, Andy looks forward to taking care of Maggie and Tom, the twin Percheron draft horses next door. Andy’s divorced parents have no time for him, and the big horses offer some consolation. In the best National Velvet tradition, Andy sets his heart on owning the team and training the horses for the big pulling contest at the state fair. Facing each challenge with true grit, Andy discovers hidden strength and the renewed love of his family. Sherlock explores the theme of many favorite stories in which outward success goes hand-in-hand with inner growth, as in Mary O’Hara’s My Friend Flicka and Jim Kjelgaard’s dog stories. This first novel combines a love for an all-but-lost sport and way of life with straightforward storytelling that is sure to win over even the most cynical readers.” — Publishers Weekly

Western Writers of America-Spur Award for Juvenile Fiction, Runner-up
Junior Library Guild selection

When Terry, age 12, brings home a dog, he discovers that his dream of taking a dog act on the road conflicts with his mother’s dream that he attend college on a music scholarship.“The economic climate of an oppressed, albeit spirited mining town is acutely delineated, and the inhabitants’ voices ring true.”– Publisher’s Weekly

Junior Library Guild Selection
Young Reader’s Choice Nominee, five states
Selected for fourth-grade Idaho history curriculum, Idaho educators.

“May those of us who have survived the darkness of childhood abuse come to appreciate that we were innocent in the abuse we suffered. May we grow to honor the great strength we’ve shown in surviving. Through healing, may we find a dynamic, healthy, and faith-filled spirituality to provide a steady platform for the new life we are becoming free to choose.” From the introduction.

“Taking Back Our Lives manages to look at a dark topic while at the same time incorporating an emphasis on the spiritual aspect of life. It recognizes the need for spirituality in a holistic approach to treatment, an aspect often avoided or ignored. As a therapist, I particularly appreciated how Sherlock treated the notion of forgiveness–patients need to experience a full range of emotions including anger, rage, sadness and grief. Taking Back Our Lives is a wonderful tool to assist those traveling what is often a long and lonely path. This book has the capacity to make travelers feel that they are not alone on their journey. — Kathie Cramer, Psychotherapist, faithAlivebooks.co

“. . . Instead of focusing on the details of the abuse, she (Sherlock) helps the reader recapture their spiritual center which may have been compromised by the abuse. …A sensitive and compassionate book meant to help survivors of child abuse and those who seek to support them.”  THIS WEEK, National Federation of Priests Council.

“. . .This book establishes the issues-and the hope-squarely and honestly, rooted in a healthy spirituality that is an essential friend and point of safety for those who choose to survive.  — Resources Hotline 

Patti Sherlock’s working relationship with her Border collie, Duncan, got her through the ups and downs of sixteen years on a sheep farm in Idaho. During that time, Duncan was an unwavering companion through the collapse of Patti’s marriage, her children inevitably leaving home one by one, and eventually, her decision to stop raising sheep. A Dog for All Seasons reflects on beginning and endings, and the cycle of seasons in all our lives. – St. Martin’s Press.

“If you’ve forgotten how to see miracles in everyday moments, this book will remind you. It’s a story about the real world, the world where human beings live in constant contact with nature, and where animals are more than best friends–they are Healers that take away paralyzing fear and replace it with enough bravery to last a lifetime. This is a story that will never leave you.”– W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear. New York Times bestselling authors of People of the Thunder

“A moving memoir of a loving relationship with a dog and the trials and tribulations of living on a western sheep farm. All people who love dogs and yearn to return to the land will love this book.” — Temple Grandin, Bestselling author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make us Human

“I love this book. Beautifully written, it is a memoir sure to rivet the attention of those who have had the blessing of a dog woven into the fabric of life. More than a daytime TV drama, there is much here about life as it is really lived and affirmation for those who understand the wonder of dogs.” – Mordecai Siegal. Bestselling author of I Just Got a Puppy, What Do I Do?

Doubleday
The book follows range sheepherders in the West from spring lambing to high-mountain grazing, framed by verses from well-known Psalm 23. The book honors the transhumant life that has changed little since ancient times.

“Excellent book! As a Sheepman myself I can attest to how good this book is. A great insight into the life of sheepherders and their environment. A recommendation I couldn’t put down. I also learned some things that are useful on our outfit. Certainly, a must read on the subject of sheepherding in the American West.” — Baja