by Mifflin Lowe (Author) Wiliam Luong (Illustrator)
A 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Book from the Children's Book Council and National Council for the Social Studies
Did you know that the Lone Ranger was likely inspired by a black cowboy? Or that some of the most famous sharpshooters in the West were women? Or how a Native American rodeo star could ride even a buffalo? These are no tall tales! In fact, historians estimate that 1 in 4 cowboys were actually black, latino, or Native American-or even women! So saddle up for a tour of the Wild West with some of history's most unsung heroes and discover how the great Western story is really everyone's story.
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Gr 4-6--Ever heard of Bass Reeves, Mamie Francis Hafley, Fox Hastings, or Henry O. Flipper? These names may not be as familiar as others spotlighted in this book (Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok), but Lowe's intention, as indicated in the book's lengthy subtitle, is to showcase diverse historical figures "from every race, gender, and ethnicity" who contributed to the development of the West. Eighteen fascinating individuals are each portrayed in a two-page spread that includes biographical information, a somewhat stylized portrait, a photograph of the person (if available), and related facts. Readers learn that Flipper was the first African American to graduate from West Point in 1877 and that Hastings ran away from a convent when she was 16 and became a famous rodeo star. Hafley was known for the incredible daredevil tricks she did while riding her horse; Bass Reeves was a pragmatic Black lawman who captured and arrested more than 3,000 criminals. Other pages provide information about collective groups and topics, such as the Buffalo Soldiers, the Chinese railroad workers, wagon trains, and traditions started by Mexican cowboys, all of which are more broadly addressed. However, pertinent historical events such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 are not addressed. Additional resources and extensive art and photo credits are included. The colorful, attractive layout is not too busy, and the artwork is vibrant. VERDICT A mixed bag of interesting, underrepresented historical figures and facts about the establishment of the American West. A good starting point for students curious about early Western frontier life.--Maggie Chase, Boise State Univ., ID
Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.The True West is especially and unreservedly recommended for family, elementary school, middle school, and community library American History collections for young readers. —Midwest Book Review
Mifflin Lowe's True West displays the multi-faceted experience of Western culture through its many diverse and iconic characters. Whether cowboy, stage performer, or arbiter of the law, these stories will allow the reader to see America through a new lens revealing education and insight for all ages! —DOM FLEMONS, The American Songster, Grammy-Award Winning Folksinger
Bestselling author, singer, songwriter, and musician Mifflin Lowe has had six books published, selling over 300,000 copies in four languages. His books include a children's poetry book, Beasts By The Bunches (Doubleday), and three humor books for adults: The Cheapskate's Handbook, I Hate Fun, and How To Be A Celebrity (Price/Stern/Sloan.) He has also performed his music for family audiences from New England to New Orleans, presenting works from his children's CDs: The King Who Forgot His Underpants, Cowboy Kareem, Wilton Wilberry's Magical Holiday Wishing Well, Cat Tales, and Beasts By The Bunches (Caedmon/Harper& Row). Recently, his animated film script, The Adventures of Cowboy Kareem, won the blue ribbon prize in the Sarasota Film Office TV/ME competition, beating out over 800 entrants from 28 states.