Ghetto Cowboy (the inspiration for Concrete Cowboy)
#1 in Ghetto Cowboy Series
What’s inside...
Now a feature film, Concrete Cowboy, starring Idris Elba. A street-smart tale about a displaced teen who learns to defend what's right - the Cowboy Way. When Cole's mom dumps him in the mean streets of Philadelphia to live with the dad he's never met, the last thing Cole expects to see is a horse, let alone a stable full of them. He may not know much about cowboys, but what he knows for sure is that cowboys aren't black, and they don't live in the inner city. But in his dad's 'hood, horses are a way of life, and soon Cole's days of skipping school and getting in trouble in Detroit have been replaced by shoveling muck and trying not to get stomped on. At first, all Cole can think about is how to ditch these ghetto cowboys and get home. But when the City threatens to shut down the stables- and take away the horse Cole has come to think of as his own- he knows that it's time to step up and fight back. Inspired by the little-known urban riders of Philly and Brooklyn, this compelling tale of latter-day cowboy justice champions a world where your friends always have your back, especially when the chips are down.
Character compass
Coltrane "Cole"
Smush
The Harp
Discussion points
What do you think made Cole decide to stay with his father and the cowboys?
How do you think the community of the urban cowboys helped Cole grow?
What are the important values you learned from Cole's journey?
How did Cole's relationship with his father change throughout the book?
Can you think of ways how you can make a positive impact in your own community like Cole did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking how your child feels about Cole’s decisions and the challenges he faces. Discuss the setting and its influence on the story to help your child understand the significance of environment in personal growth. Highlight the transformation in relationships and the importance of community support depicted in the book. Use personal anecdotes or relatable examples to draw parallels between the lessons from the book and real-life situations. Lastly, celebrate the diverse cultures and lifestyles presented to broaden your child's perspective on different ways of life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and adapting to change
Explanation: The protagonist, Cole, moves to a completely new environment and learns to adapt and thrive despite initial struggles. His journey depicts resilience as he embraces urban horseback riding, a stark contrast to his previous life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace new situations or environments with an open mind and find ways to adapt, whether it's a new school, city, or a different social setting.
Example Lesson: The importance of community and belonging
Explanation: Cole discovers a sense of community and belonging in the unique urban cowboy culture. This helps him form connections and understand the value of supporting each other.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to actively participate in their local community, understanding the importance of being part of a supportive network and contributing positively to it.
Example Lesson: Respect for animals and nature
Explanation: Through his involvement with the stables and horses, Cole learns to respect and care for animals, acknowledging their needs and the benefits they bring to urban environments.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to treat animals with kindness and respect, recognizing them as sentient beings that contribute to the ecological balance and human well-being.
Example Lesson: The power of nonconformity
Explanation: The novel showcases characters who challenge societal norms by maintaining an unconventional lifestyle of urban cowboys, illustrating that different doesn't mean wrong.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate and celebrate uniqueness and diversity in people’s lifestyles and choices, fostering acceptance and open-mindedness.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and personal growth
Explanation: Cole’s transition from a troubled teen to a responsible young adult involved in the upkeep of the stables teaches the importance of personal responsibility and growth.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on more responsibilities at home or in school, learning that their actions contribute to personal development and societal well-being.