In this sequel to War Horse readers find out more about what happened to Joey (the horse) and Albert, the boy who loved him.  Readers who haven’t read War Horse are brought up to speed by Morpurgo’s well placed summary of the preceding story.  In Farm Boy, readers learn more about Albert’s own family and the generations that follow.

At the center of this heartwarming story is an old, green Fordson tractor that is covered in cornstacks at the back of the barn.  The story unfolds mainly by Albert’s great-grandson’s narration; however, Albert’s son (Grandpa in this story) does add his own tale in the middle of the story.  Morpurgo has nicely dovetailed in Grandpa’s voice through the use of a handwritten letter from Grandpa to his grandson.   The letter is titled “Grandpa’s Story” and it tells a different tale about Joey and how the old, green Fordson tractor was obtained.

An enjoyable read that would be great as a read aloud choice.