In the Days of the Vaqueros: America's First True Cowboys

This book is about the history of the Spanish coming to the Americas and settling what is now the Southwestern US. The text content is appropriate for mid to upper elementary. This book could be appropriate for upper elementary English language learners. Although a picture book, the book uses museum art. English language learners, for example, might enjoy studying the paintings even if they cannot read the words. This stunningly beautiful book contains content that will enrich the understanding of all students and the pride of students who emigrate from Mexico.

Finally a young persons book with a different perspective on cowboys. The origins and role of the vaquero in America is discussed in a scholarly and insightful manner geared for young readers. If you are looking for a book about the traditional view of the cowboy than look elsewhere. The author, Russell Freedman does an excellent job describing how the Vaqueros were the first of their kind, their role in rodeos, where and how they lived on haciendas and ranchos, what they did at rodeos , the tools they used , the contests and games and the last of the vaqueros. These original cowherders were poor Indian laborers who were subject to the rich Spanish land owners who dominated the landscape of America after the conquest by the European Spaniards. This book is a good history lesson about life in the southwest and Mexico(one and the same at this particular point in history)during Spanish rule. This book is an excellent choice for a classroom or library in the middle or high school level for further enrichment in the education process. Limited English speaking students may find the language difficult but there are many Spanish words intersperced throughout the lessons to draw their interest. The drawings and photographs are well done; I only wish this book was presented in a larger format. This is a good book for a student to write a book report on and share the information within to the class. Highly recommended for students and adults alike who enjoy history.

Russell Freedman's, "In the Days of the Vaqueros" was written for young adults and in this endeavor it suceeds. It is a 70 page hard back book with numerous high quality paintings, sketches and photographs. He tells the story of the Vaqueros from the arrival of the Spanish in Mexico up to modern days. When I purchased the book, I was hoping to find a book written for adults. Yet, I was not dissapointed. The book's production values are very high and I really enjoyed the art work.