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(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Gordon C. James.
Nelson and James's engrossing picture-book biography of African American cowboy and bronc buster George Fletcher (1890–1973) mainly focuses on the major event of his riding life: the 1911 Pendleton Round-Up. Folksy language ("Ranching fit George like made-to-measure boots") brings readers right into the era, and bold brushstrokes give the illustrations a dynamic feel suitable for the subject. Back matter provides further information about the round-up and its participants. Bib., glos.
Reviewer: Autumn Allen
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2019
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Lucy Eldridge.
When colt Red Badger is born, a boy helps her stand for the first time. Simple, sensory text incorporates small details to give a horse's-eye view as Red Badger grows and is sold to a rodeo. Naturalistic, angular watercolors with plenty of white space add buoyancy, although the ending (boy and horse are momentarily reunited at a bucking bronco event) is rather abrupt and unsatisfying.
(4)
4-6
Jake Maddox Sports Stories series.
Illustrated by
Aburtov.
Black-and-white full-page illustrations accompany these hi-lo stories involving talented athletes in tennis (Doubles), football (Punter's), bull-riding (Rodeo), and golf (Secondhand). The message-laden texts highlight the importance of focus and fair play to achieve team victory and accomplish personal goals. The engaging, action-packed stories should appeal to sports enthusiasts. Each book is supplemented by background on the sport, discussion questions, and writing prompts. Glos. Review covers these Jake Maddox Sports Stories titles: Double Trouble, Punter's Pride, Rodeo Challenge, and Secondhand Slice.
(4)
4-6
Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories series.
Illustrated by
Katie Wood.
These sports-themed stories starring girls highlight important skills necessary for success at a skate park (Longboard), a ranch (Cowgirl), on the ice (Ice Rink), and with the cheer squad (Squad). Fast pacing and black-and-white digital illustrations keep the predictable plots focused and easy to follow. Discussion questions, writing prompts, and facts about the sports are appended. Glos. Review covers these Jake Maddox Girl Sports Stories titles: Cowgirl Grit, Ice Rink Rookie, Longboard Letdown, and Squad Struggles.
40 pp.
| Amazon/Two Lions
| April, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1503950979$17.99
(4)
PS
Illustrated by
Ovi Nedelcu.
City-dwelling Little Car moves "Out West" to pursue his dream of becoming a cowboy, but there's a roadblock in his path: cars can't ride horses. Is there a workaround? This genial plug for not giving up on dreams traffics in groaner wordplay ("Little Car did a brake dance") and cartoonish art that makes the West look not unlike Hanna-Barbera country.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| September, 2015
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-62403-758-0$18.95
(4)
K-3
Xtreme Jobs series.
This series surveys professions in which participants experience extreme danger and risk death. Each formulaic book presents a brief history of the profession, inherent dangers, qualifications required, techniques involved, and key individuals. The content will thrill would-be adventurers. The abbreviated texts are enhanced by numerous photographs and text boxes. Job facts and an extended glossary provide additional information. Ind. This review covers these Xtreme Jobs titles: Rodeo Clown, Test Pilot, Astronaut, Daredevil, Search & Rescue, and Stunt Performer.
32 pp.
| Whitman
| March, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8075-2931-7$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Suzanne Beaky.
Zesty art and energetic prose with folksy inflections tell the tale of the original "girl cowboy." Young Oklahoman Mulhall defied turn-of-the-last-century gender norms (defended by her ultra-traditional mother), entering rough-riding and roping competitions at thirteen and ultimately traveling the country showing off her prize-winning and record-breaking skills, including for President Teddy Roosevelt. An author's note fills in some gaps. Timeline.
40 pp.
| Boyds/Wordsong
| March, 2013
|
TradeISBN 978-1-59078-893-6$17.95
(3)
4-6
Photographs by
Jan Sonnenmair.
This book invites readers to experience a Navajo Nation rodeo. While focusing on adult competitions (bronco riding, steer wrestling, etc.), Flood doesn't ignore the roles children play. Double-page spreads feature some combination of free-verse poems, narrative accounts of events, and snippets of the announcer's dialogue: "Ladies and gents, give a big warm welcome to our youngest competitors." Well-chosen photographs accompany the readable text. Reading list, websites.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| September, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-979-5$18.95
(4)
4-6
Xtreme Rodeo series.
Each book briefly explores a popular rodeo event, explaining procedures, variations, rules, and possible dangers involved; only Barrel Racing depicts an event reserved for women. The writing is bland, but young rodeo fans will be drawn to the rugged, action-packed photos, many with a long exposure to dramatically capture movement. Font superimposed over images contributes to the books' cluttered appearance. Glos., ind. Review covers these Xtreme Rodeo titles: Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, and Roping.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| September, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-982-5$18.95
(4)
4-6
Xtreme Rodeo series.
Each book briefly explores a popular rodeo event, explaining procedures, variations, rules, and possible dangers involved; only Barrel Racing depicts an event reserved for women. The writing is bland, but young rodeo fans will be drawn to the rugged, action-packed photos, many with a long exposure to dramatically capture movement. Font superimposed over images contributes to the books' cluttered appearance. Glos., ind. Review covers these Xtreme Rodeo titles: Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, and Roping.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| September, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-978-8$18.95
(4)
4-6
Xtreme Rodeo series.
Each book briefly explores a popular rodeo event, explaining procedures, variations, rules, and possible dangers involved; only Barrel Racing depicts an event reserved for women. The writing is bland, but young rodeo fans will be drawn to the rugged, action-packed photos, many with a long exposure to dramatically capture movement. Font superimposed over images contributes to the books' cluttered appearance. Glos., ind. Review covers these Xtreme Rodeo titles: Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, and Roping.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| September, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-977-1$18.95
(4)
4-6
Xtreme Rodeo series.
Each book briefly explores a popular rodeo event, explaining procedures, variations, rules, and possible dangers involved; only Barrel Racing depicts an event reserved for women. The writing is bland, but young rodeo fans will be drawn to the rugged, action-packed photos, many with a long exposure to dramatically capture movement. Font superimposed over images contributes to the books' cluttered appearance. Glos., ind. Review covers these Xtreme Rodeo titles: Barrel Racing, Bareback Riding, Bull Riding, and Roping.
32 pp.
| Dial
| May, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3734-1$16.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Lynne Avril.
In her third literary outing, cowgirl-infatuated suburbanite Nellie Sue enters her "two-wheeled horse" in the bike rodeo at a county fair. The central drama--she diverts a goat that threatens to derail her friend's attempt at the blue ribbon--doesn't wash (wouldn't the judges call a do-over?), but it's the rare reader who won't be caught up in the gleefully illustrated drama.
48 pp.
| Enslow
| August, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-4001-4$21.26 New ed. (1997)
(4)
4-6
Courageous Heroes of the American West series.
All originally published under different titles, the updated editions of these brief biographies, written in short, easy-to-read sentences, outline the lives of adventurous individuals who helped shape the American West during the nineteenth century. Black-and-white photographs and drawings add some interest to the text-heavy pages; the lurid cover illustrations are unappealing. There are four other fall 2012 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Courageous Heroes of the American West titles: Bill Pickett, Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Richard King, Sacagawea, and Sam Houston.
140 pp.
| Chronicle
| April, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8118-6260-8$14.99
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Sarah Horne.
In her second adventure (this one's not a mystery story), Nana (Nana Cracks the Case!) has a car breakdown on the way to the rodeo. Grandchildren Eufala and Bog help save the day when Nana's (lack of) skills as a mechanic get her in trouble with bad guys Tuff and the Ruffies. Black-and-white ink drawings reflect the story's quirky humor.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| January, 2010
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61613-004-6$25.65
(4)
K-3
Xtreme Sports series.
These books provide middle-elementary students with introductions to action sports in risky environments. The volumes rely on exciting action photos and pulse-pounding texts, including "Xtreme Quotes" ("You don't drown by falling into water. You drown by staying there") to depict the adventurousness and skill required for each activity. Most volumes contain appended cursory information about "Dangers and Risks." Glos., ind. Review covers these Xtreme Sports titles: Base Jumping, Biking, Rock Climbing, Rodeo, Surfing, and White Water.
164 pp.
| Farrar
| April, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-37085-5$16.95
(2)
4-6
Colton, his mom, and his beloved Maine coon cat, Smoke, move from Idaho to California. Smoke disappears, and Colton ends up barricaded in a mountain cabin with (is it?) a cougar outside. Jukes is a risk-taking writer, and this novel's action and adventure coexist well with an introspective tone, lots of exposition, unusual settings, and uniquely direct characterizations.
245 pp.
| McElderry
| February, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4169-6130-7$16.99
(3)
YA
Though fourteen-year-old Cam comes from a family of champion bull riders, he prefers skateboarding to rodeo. When his older brother, Ben, returns from Iraq partially paralyzed, Cam picks up the reins to face a bull named Ugly. The book is a well-executed story of a family battling the pain of loss.
32 pp.
| Cavendish
| September, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-5432-8$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Vincent Nguyen.
In this Little Black Sambo takeoff, Little Britches, on her way to the rodeo, encounters rattlesnakes who threaten to "s-s-swaller" her up. The clever cowgirl trades them items of clothing, and the rattlers argue over who's finest. Little Britches's resourcefulness is to be commended, and the earthy palette of the funny illustrations of snakes in Western gear complements the desert setting.
295 pp.
| Tor/Starscape
| February, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-765-30982-2$17.95
(4)
4-6
Young cowboy Danny Ray, his confidence shredded by a rodeo loss, goes to the magical land of Elidor to rescue kidnapped Princess Amber. Readers who can overcome the book's occasional gaps in logic and frequently trite songs and poems will be entertained by the colorful vocabulary, fast-paced plot, and vivid action.