Let 'Er Buck!

By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, Gordon C. James (Illustrator)

A cowboy defies odds at a 1911 rodeo, becoming the people's champion.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 366 ratings

40 pages

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In 1911, at the Pendleton Round-Up, three cowboys vie for victory: one white, one Indian, and one black. When the judges favor the white cowboy, the crowd rallies behind George Fletcher, the black cowboy, crowning him their champion. Discover how Fletcher's spirit and the audience's support turn an unjust loss into a legendary triumph. This true tale of courage and community will captivate those who cherish stories of unlikely heroes and the wild West.

From the publisher

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.

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