Black Cowboys (African American Achievers)
African-American Achievers. Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
An account of the adventurous African Americans whose exploits contributed to the legends of the Wild West.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
104 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think it was important for the author to share stories about Black cowboys?
How do you think the lives of Black cowboys were different from the cowboys we usually see in movies or books?
What qualities do you admire in the cowboys discussed in the book?
Can you think of other areas where people might be underrepresented like the Black cowboys?
How does learning about these cowboys change the way you think about history and diversity?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child what they already know about cowboys, and then discuss how their perception might change after reading.
Relate the struggles and triumphs of the Black cowboys to challenges your child faces, highlighting resilience and determination.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the stories. Validate their feelings and provide insight where necessary.
After finishing the book, suggest researching more together about other lesser-known figures in American history to further this learning experience.
Use maps or historical timelines to help visually connect the stories in the book to real-world geography and history.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The book highlights the challenges faced by black cowboys in overcoming racial barriers to achieve success in their field.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to persist through their own challenges, whether in school, sports, or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Importance of representation
Explanation: The stories of black cowboys are often left out of mainstream narratives. This book showcases their significant contributions, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation in history.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and seek out diverse perspectives and histories, enriching their understanding of the world and enhancing social inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The book explores the unique culture of black cowboys, from their music to their role in cattle drives, which is integral to American history.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and respect cultural differences in their community and beyond.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Black cowboys often faced significant dangers and injustices. The book depicts their courage in facing such adversities head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to act bravely when confronted with difficult situations, knowing that courage is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: By learning about the contributions and challenges of African American cowboys, readers gain a more comprehensive understanding of American history.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be curious about history and to recognize the impact of individual actions on historical developments.