Fifteen-year-old Dyrus lives with his parents and grandparents in the Persian Empire during the time of Christ's birth, circa 4 BC. He's a shepherd boy, and his father's only dream is for his son to follow in his footsteps. Unfortunately, Dyrus has other dreams. Even while doing his chores as a shepherd, Dyrus's thoughts often turn heavenward. He's impressed with the sky and full of questions about the world around him. But while on a wolf hunt with his father one night, he spots a special star that he's never seen before. Unable to convince his parents of the star's importance, Dyrus becomes frustrated. Until one of the king's wise men and a caravan of soldiers come to camp in the valley where Dyrus lives. They've come to view the star from the mountain near Dyrus's home. Despite his father's insistence that he shouldn't bother the wise man, Dyrus peppers him with questions about the star. Before he knows it Dyrus is caught up in a search to find the meaning of the star and his life is changed forever. Every child knows the nativity story, but what few know is the story behind the wise men. What motivated the wise men to form a caravan and travel hundreds of miles to Jerusalem with only the star as their guide? New author Victor Ammann brings a new twist to provide an answer to these questions in A Shepherd Boy and the Bethlehem Star.