Ghetto Cowboy (review)

After his mother has had enough, Coltrane finds himself dropped off to stay in Philadelphia with the father he never knew. The already reeling twelve-year-old is thoroughly confused to find himself sharing quarters with a horse in the middle of the city. It turns out his father is one of the legendary black cowboys of North Philadelphia, championing an urban tradition that’s kept many kids in the stables instead of in trouble, and one that’s now threatened by the city fathers, who want to develop the land on which the stables stand. The city cowboys of Philadelphia and elsewhere are a fascinating and little-documented topic, and this is an eye-opening glimpse into that world; readers will particularly appreciate the close male bonding of the group, with its multigenerational relationships and friendly racing rivalries. Coltrane’s narration is written in easy-reading colloquial language, making the book a likely sell to reluctant readers and possibility for older readalouds. The treatment is largely superficial, though, with characters and relationships never really developing and events lacking compelling or credible setup. Watson’s black-and-white paintings use strong borders on figures, enhancing the moralistic flavor of his style; while the draftsmanship is a little stiffly literal at times, the portraiture is dramatic. Despite the book’s flaws, it’s got broad application and considerable appeal, and kids may be moved to look into their own town’s lesser-known traditions. An author’s note attests to the reality of the Philadelphia cowboys but unfortunately doesn’t offer any sources or further directions for those whose interest has been piqued.