The Cowgirl Way: Hats Off to America's Women of the West

Before reviewing this 128-page children's book for ages 10 and older and/or 5th grade and up, this reviewer should mention some bias he has on this subject. I check out any books published that might shed more light on a distant (5th) cousin William Frederick (Buffalo Bill) Cody. It was obvious from this title that it would include some information on the American Plainsman who is credited with coining the very phrase "Wild West." So that's why I chose to review this book that will probably be read mostly by young girls, but which may be equally interesting to young boys. This generously illustrated book's introduction, seven chapters and bibliography divide the overall topic into subjects such as "Women of the Old West," "Outlaws and Rebels," "Wild West Show Girls," "Rodeo Stars," "Celluloid Cowgirls and Singing Sensations," "Cowgirl Image Makers," and "Twenty-First Century Cowgirls." "In the most literal sense of the word, a cowgirl is a woman, or girl, who works outdoors with livestock. In the nineteenth century, before the word `cowgirl' was coined, girls and women who learned to hold their own working with cattle and horses were sometimes called `cow-boy girls' as they helped settle the western frontier." At around the beginning of the 20th Century the new term "cowgirl" was expanded to include women who were competing in early rodeos or Wild West shows. Real cowgirls are defined by the spirit they exemplify, "such as spunk, adventurousness, and courage." Independence, common sense and a "can do" spirit are also associated with cowgirls. The most famous cowgirls are undoubtedly Calamity Jane, Belle Starr and Annie Oakley, but they were only a few of the most famous. Pearl Hart was a famous female outlaw who robbed stage coaches and Etta Place who was the infamous companion of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was every bit as pretty as Katherine Ross who played her in the famous movie starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford. There is a wonderful historic portrait of Etta Place included in The Cowgirl Way along with photos of many of the woman subjects. While the Wild West was generally considered "untamed, uncivilized and very politically incorrect" by Atlantic Coast residents, "in 1869, Wyoming passed legislation that gave women the right to vote and hold civic office...Also, in December 1869, Wyoming passed three other bills to protect and upgrade the status of women: they could now own property in their own name, they could earn money and keep it for the first time in history, and they could retain guardianship of their young children if their husband died." Other western states quickly followed Wyoming's lead to encourage women settlers "to come west, young lady." Meanwhile back in the self-proclaimed civilized part of the United States, "it wasn't until 1920--fifty-one years after Wyoming spearheaded women's suffrage--that the Nineteenth Amendment was added to the U.S. Constitution, granting the right to vote to women across the Ameri

From the lovely cover of a cowgirl joyfully riding her horse one can tell just what sort of attitude this book has. Holly George-Warren has summarized the history of the cowgirls in this enchanting volume that young readers (probably girls) will love. I was expecting a major focus on Etta Place or Annie Oakley and the rest, but George-Warren gives her cowgirl range a further stretch than that and gives a history ranging from the outlaws to the entertainers to what real women are doing now. Even the signature cowgirl fashion is discussed. While never giving much detail on any single woman, this reads like how children's non-fiction should read--quick and entertaining and devoted to giving the basics kids need. It's beautifully done, and the photos and quotes are a marvelous addition.

This is a great non fiction book that my daughter loves to read. Learning about women doing things for themselves, (and riding horses), really called out to her sense of independence. Plus, the photos are gorgeous. Wonderful shots of costuming, regular wear, rodeo wear, the whole book package has my 6 year old entranced. It's written in a very easy to read way without watering it down. I would say this is great for research, great for using as a learning tool, but also just plain great for reading.

I wanted to read this book because my duaghters and I are headed out west this summer to see some historic landmarks, including the Molly Brown Museum. We all read the book and each took something different away from it. My youngest teen liked that it had short pieces with vintage images. My wife (the teacher) loved the primary source illustrations and ads that could be used as an educational resources. My older teens liked that it covered both famous cowgirls (Annie Oakley) and much-lesser known cowgirls(Cattle Kate - killed for her land) who were equally intriguing. I personally learned things I hadn't read elsewhere about Barbara Stanwyck and her real cowgirl ways. My only complaint you want to know more! In fact, you end up looking up the women mentioned to try to find more facts and details about their lives because the short vignettes leave you wanting to know more and maybe that means the books is just the right length, a great short read that makes you curious!

This is a nicely done book. The large text is interspersed with photographs and with quotes, which makes for easy reading. The chapters are substantial, providing a comprehensive history for a book of this size. The contents include Women of the Old West, Outlaws and Rebels, Wild West Show Girls, Rodeo Stars, Celluloid Cowgirls and Singing Sensations, Cowgirl Image Makers, Twenty-First-Century Cowgirls and a bibliography. I ordered this for my son's reference shelf and think it can be interesting to all young readers. But I imagine it will appeal especially to young girls, especially those with an interest in horses and/or the West.