The Cowgirl Way: Hats Off to America's Women of the West – A Historical Account of Equestriennes, Outlaws, and Frontier Bravery for Children

by Holly George-Warren

The 1840s ushered in the beginning of the largest migration in US history. People in crowded Eastern cities and Missouri River towns were feeling the pull of the Western frontier. It was the dawn of a new era of expansion, and over the next few decades, the making of a new kind of pioneer. It was the birth of the cowgirl!      Welcome to the world of nimble equestriennes, hawkeyed sharpshooters, sly outlaws, eloquent legislators, expert wranglers and talented performers who made eyes pop and jaws drop with their skills, savvy and bravery. In this fascinating account of an ever-evolving American icon, Holly George-Warren invites readers to saddle up with a host of these trailblazers who helped settle the West and define the cowgirl spirit.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Teen

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting book that profiles famous cowgirls both in real life and the movies. I did not know that women did bronc riding and that it was stopped because they were better at than men. That makes me happy and angry at the same time. The book is interesting, if mostly profiles.

However, the format on the kindle version (the version which I read) is horrible! It's great that the photos are kept, but the photos are in the strangest places and interrupt sentences. Additionally captions appear paragraphs (or two pages) before the photos in some cases.

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I'm certainly interested in knowing more about cowgirls, I felt like this book read more like a list of names than a book. While the many women listed showed that there were (and are) plenty of women who were eager to rope and ride, at the same time, it was difficult to keep track of all the different people mentioned and the detailed tidbits that especially caught my attention weren't really developed into anything more. So, for readers who want to get some names of cowgirls and then do further research elsewhere, this is a good choice, but anyone looking for in depth information will have to look elsewhere.

[Pietro Maximoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read about different women of the west. quick snippets on lots of women from all walks of western life. would've liked to see more native american women included

[Mellanie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read about women who affected the culture of the West.

[Judy E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting overview of cowgirls throughout American history, from the 1800s to today.

[Bonnie Blevins · Rating 4 out of 5]

George-Warren, H. (2010). The cowgirl way: Hats off to America’s women of the west. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children.

Citation by: Bonnie Blevins

Type of Reference: Biographical Reference

Call Number: Ref 920.72

Content/Scope: This biographical reference is targeted toward students in the 5th-8th grades. This book contains information on people heading west in the 1840s and how cowgirls came to be part of western civilization.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has been in business since 1880. This publisher provides educational materials for pre K-12. They also publish novels, nonfiction materials, reference resources, etc.

Arrangement/Presentation: The book is arranged in chapters with each chapter being about a different type of cowgirl such as: outlaw, show girl, or rodeo star. This book offers information on people in history as well as some from the past 50 years.

Relation to other works: The library currently houses two books on cowboys and none on cowgirls. This book will make a nice addition to the reduced reference section in the library.

Accessibility/Diversity: All students, but especially girls will enjoy this book. The women who went west and their families had various backgrounds. While some were wealthy, many were not and traveled west to find a better life. The variety of lifestyles will appeal to students who also have various lifestyles. The photographs and rodeo programs should engage the visual learners as well as other students.

Cost: $18

Professional Review:
Bryant, M. J. (2010). The cowgirl way: Hats off to America's women of the west. School Library Journal, 56(7), 101.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Cowgirl Way is a great introduction to the contributions (both good and bad) women made when the West was still wild. A brief history about the history of the West and why women were more integrally involved in shaping its history begins the 100 page informational text. Women of the Old West (accompanied by such captivating photos) held me spellbound. Seeing women wearing pantaloons and/or pants in a time that didn't even welcome their vote reminded me of a story my grandmother would recount about the time when she was growing up in Hawaii in the early 1920's. Wanting to ride a bike but not fuss with the long dress, she wore coulottes made by my great-grandmother, and was promptly punished for them! Girls (and boys) today should read about the contributions women made during this time.

My personal favorite chapter was "Outlaws and Rebels." Selfishly, I would have loved to have learned more about the likes of Belle Starr and Calamity Jane. Teaching the genre of biography can be dull (I don't like to read about "old, dead white guys" with my students...) and when I can find a juicy tidbit about women, all the better. Even so, I would use this particular chapter as one of the sources of a study about one of the infamous women of the Wild, Wild West. Since this text is an ARC, it would be interesting to show the finished book in comparison to this one to my classes and discuss the publishing industry process (some photos state that a caption is awaiting and all photos are black and white).

[Kristal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be very informative concerning women who not only helped shape the Wild West but were also instrumental in helping woman all over America throw off the old-fashioned stereotypes and start becoming citizens of this nation.

Since grew up with horses I have always been fascinated with riding and have attended a few rodeos in my day but were never aware of all the women who rode and their contribution to the rodeo and cowgirl world. From Sally Skull who was the first woman to own a ranch to the notorious Belle Starr to Enid Justin who created a booming boot business, this is a wonderful overview of all the fabulous women who made being a cowgirl a thing to look up to and admire.

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I'm certainly interested in knowing more about cowgirls, I felt like this book read more like a list of names than a book. While the many women listed showed that there were (and are) plenty of women who were eager to rope and ride, at the same time, it was difficult to keep track of all the different people mentioned and the detailed tidbits that especially caught my attention weren't really developed into anything more. So, for readers who want to get some names of cowgirls and then do further research elsewhere, this is a good choice, but anyone looking for in depth information will have to look elsewhere.

[Marjanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, brief history on cowgirls. I found this in the juvenile section at the library and thought it might be a fun read. The author covers, briefly, several different areas: actual cowgirls, cowgirl performers (Wild West shows, Hollywood, and singers), and their general influence in developing the western US. This book would be a good starting place in learning more about the west.

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live in a suburb of Fort Worth, Texas, which is home to the Cowgirl Museum. Reading this book was like revisiting the museum-- a celebration of women's contributions to Wild West legends. Numerous period photographs and quotes from women homesteaders, ranchers, rodeo riders, and entertainers provide first-hand accounts of women's experiences.

[Virginia Brace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent presentation for grades 4-7 showing fascinating photographs and quotations of the women who were riders, ranchers, showgirls and sometimes outlaws! Well documented and attractively designed way to present history!

[Amoret Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational read, gave me courage reading about cowgirls and most excellently written! Beautiful pictures.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction into the women of the old West. I have read about several of the women before and learned about the ones I didn't know. I love history and brave, strong, women. Very good.

[Sassafras · Rating 5 out of 5]

great non-fiction: lots of photographs and interesting text.

[Robin Yelton · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a list of people without the depth of information.

[Kathryn, the_naptime_reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think middle school me would have loved this book. I got to go to a dude ranch and be a cowgirl for a week a few times as a kid and loved horses. The writing in this book is ok, but the pictures really make the book. Also loved the direct quotes from really women. Fun to see a under recognized population get some attention.