Let 'Er Buck!: George Fletcher, the People's Champion - Hardcover

Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1512498084 ISBN 13: 9781512498080

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books ®, 2019

Synopsis

"Nelson plaits her narrative with Western lingo and homespun similes. . . . James' painterly oils swirl with energy, visible daubs creating the dusty, monumental landscape and equally monumental horses and humans. . . . A champion indeed." ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
The true tale of a cowboy's epic rodeo ride from acclaimed author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and Caldecott Honoree Gordon C. James.
In 1911, three men were in the final round of the famed Pendleton Round-Up. One was white, one was Indian, and one was black. When the judges declared the white man the winner, the audience was outraged. They named black cowboy George Fletcher the "people's champion" and took up a collection, ultimately giving Fletcher far more than the value of the prize that went to the official winner. Award-winning author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson tells the story of Fletcher's unlikely triumph with a western flair that will delight kids―and adults―who love true stories, unlikely heroes, and cowboy tales.

About this title

About the Authors

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is the author of The Book Itch, as well as three Coretta Scott King Award-winning books: No Crystal Stair, Bad News for Outlaws, and Almost to Freedom. She is a former youth services librarian in New Mexico. Visit her online at vaundanelson.com.

As a fine artist, Gordon C. James works to achieve the highest level of beauty. His work has been in International Artist Magazine, and is part of the Paul R. Jones Collection. Gordon's illustrations, are soulful, and technically sound. He has won Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Honors, a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal, a Charlotte Huck Award, and the Kirkus Prize for his work.

Gordon lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife Ingrid and their children Astrid and Gabriel and their dog Rascal.

Reviews

Gr 3-6-Growing up in Eastern Oregon at the turn of the 20th century, George Fletcher discovered a love for horses at an early age: by 16, "life in the saddle and riding rough were all he hankered for." He competed in rodeos and performed stunts in Wild West shows, aiming for prizes, but Nelson notes "When he was allowed to compete, the judges hardly ever treated him fair." Readers will be mesmerized by lyrical, conversational prose that describes the "rhythm of the ride, the rise and fall, the whirl and twirl, the spin and swerve" of Fletcher's rodeo moves. James captures the energy of the bucking horses and the tension and grace of the riders in vibrant oil-on-board paintings. A vivid close-up image depicts the horses' tossing heads, bared teeth, and wide eyes. The end notes include a more complete biographical sketch of Fletcher and information about the other two riders in the Saddle Bronc Championship of 1911, Jackson Sundown and John Spain. Nelson's discussion about her research process is particularly strong: she clearly identifies her sources, and when evidence is scant, she justifies her authorial decisions. VERDICT An excellent choice for most biography collections. The rollicking language and gorgeous art make this a terrific read-aloud and conversation starter for older elementary students.-Jennifer Costa, Cambridge Public Library, MAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Carolrhoda Books ®
• Publication date: 2019
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1512498084
• ISBN 13: 9781512498080
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: James Gordon C.
• Number of pages: 40