Cowboys of the Wild West

“I want to be a cowboy!” Cowboys of the Wild West by Russell Freedman tells how it really was to be a cowboy long ago. The book explores the life of cowboys. Apparel, tack, open range roundups, trail life, ranch life, and old-time cowboys are the topics covered. Hard work, danger, and loneliness were all part of a cowboy’s daily life. Interesting tidbits are interspersed with other more common information about cowboys. Excerpts from old-time cowboys are used throughout the book.

Whether handling contrary cattle, bronco busting, surviving the extreme weather, or coping with loneliness the author reveals the reality of a cowboy’s life through interesting text and fascinating black and white pictures. The pictures and drawings enhance the credibility of the text. The life of the cowboy is told truthfully with both good and bad aspects included. The skill needed to be a top hand is offered along with the dangers those skills brought to the cowboy. The adventure of the open range and trail drive is exciting to read. The author also shares the hazards faced daily on the trail drives continuing to bring the topic alive. The book is easy to read and when finished the reader has a whole hatful of knowledge. The American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, National Council for the Social Studies, and School Library Journal Best Books honored Cowboys of the Wild West in 1985. I grew up on ranch and this book thoroughly captivated my attention. I especially liked the photos.

I recommend this book to students in grades 3-8.


Keywords: cowboys, vaqueros, longhorns, independent, skill, risk, respect, freedom