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Eureka! Book Detail

Black Cowboy Wild Horses

Publication Information
Author:  Lester, Julius Illustrator:  Pinkney, Jerry
Title:  Black Cowboy Wild Horses Date:  1998
Publisher:  Dial City:  New York
ISBN, paperback:  0-8037-1787-3 ISBN, hardback:  

Recommended audience:
ABE/ABLE:   Yes ESOL:  
Family:   Young Adult:  
Picture:   Yes

General Information:
Book Type(s):    historical fiction, true story

GED Descriptor(s):    social studies

Summary:
This book is based on the true story of Bob Lemmons, a former slave, whose adventures as a cowboy in Texas were legendary.

Teaching Ideas:
This book would provide a wonderful introduction to the issue of stereotypes; students might list characteristics of cowboys before reading and then compare items on their lists with the characteristics of Bob Lemmons. Another comparison, perhaps facilitated with a Venn diagram, is wild horses and tame horses. The issue of becoming one with nature might prompt discussion or writing, as might exploration of Bob's attitude about the colt and the vultures. Students may want to explore the contribution of the stunning illustrations or to explore other author/ illustrator pairs (be sure to read the end notes). Much of the descriptive language is poetic; students may want to collect especially effective phrases. Bob's ability to read tracks may prompt discussion or writing about different kinds of reading. Those interested in art or illustrations may want to explore several of Pinkney's books, looking for trademark characteristics.

Teaching Strategies:
bullet Venn Diagrams
   http://literacy.kent.edu/eureka/strategies/venn_diagrams.pdf

Keywords: select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword
bullet Ethnic Groups > African-American
bullet Education > reading
bullet Geography > locations > U.S. states/regions > Western United States
bullet Science > biology > zoology > mammals > horses
bullet Work > type > cowboy


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