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iffer's review
3.0
I liked Ghetto Cowboy, but didn't love it. I couldn't really get into the story, which could've been due to the fact that it wasn't really action-packed. Also, although the dialog leaps off the page, the rest of the narrative doesn't (but that could just be my dislike of writing at this reading level and a story told predominantly in present tnese).
Ghetto Cowboy's appeal for me lies in its unique subject matter and its potential as a springboard for discussion and critical thinking about non-violent social change/civil disobedience, family relationships, racism, ethnic islands, culture/tradition, gentrification and other topics. However, I must mention that, although Ghetto Cowboy touches upon these complex and controversial topics, it's a little too clear-cut for met. Some might argue that this is due to it being juvenile fiction, but I don't believe that j-fiction needs to be this way, an opinion that, for me, has been confirmed by concurrently reading One Crazy Summer.
Ghetto Cowboy's appeal for me lies in its unique subject matter and its potential as a springboard for discussion and critical thinking about non-violent social change/civil disobedience, family relationships, racism, ethnic islands, culture/tradition, gentrification and other topics. However, I must mention that, although Ghetto Cowboy touches upon these complex and controversial topics, it's a little too clear-cut for met. Some might argue that this is due to it being juvenile fiction, but I don't believe that j-fiction needs to be this way, an opinion that, for me, has been confirmed by concurrently reading One Crazy Summer.
madiroo91's review
4.0
I haven't read a YA book in a while and I saw this was a movie on Netflix so I grabbed it from work. I really enjoyed this book. A very easy read. It is the story of Cole, a 12 year old from Detroit who is dropped off on his father's doorstep after a fight with his mother. He then has to navigate his father's way of life while also getting to know the man he hasn't seen since he was a baby. This book touches on poverty, racism, the police, parenthood, and the journey of growing up and finding yourself. A heartwarming story with a happy ending.
kellkie's review
4.0
Cannot wait to recommend this to students! I would have liked to see a little more time spent on the resolution, but overall I loved following Cole as he found himself through the Cowboy Way.
pwbalto's review
4.0
Full review on Pink Me: http://pinkme.typepad.com/pink-me/2011/06/ghetto-cowboy-by-greg-neri-review.html
beecheralyson's review
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot. Neri did a great job connecting the reader with the characters and with the setting. Based on real life urban cowboys in North Philly, the story looks at both the plight of maintaining horses in an urban envrionment, as well as, the relationship between a boy and his formerly estranged father. Might have wrapped up a little too perfectly at the end but still a great story.
abigailbat's review
3.0
Not exactly my thing (never got into horse stories, although the urban cowboy thing is pretty cool and a nice differentiation from your typical horse story), but this is a great choice for tweens. I'd hand it to kids looking for a different spin on a horse story or kids looking for age-appropriate street lit. Excellent narration by JD Jackson makes this an appealing listen and the music that starts and ends each disc sets the tone nicely.
tcbueti's review
4.0
Based on the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club in Philadelphia, this has lots of vivid details and a fair amount of suspense. Cole has never met his dad. When his mom gives up on him and dumps him on his dad’s doorstep, Cole is dismayed to find that his dad is a leader of the club, which houses former racehorses in a run-down stable, and even in their row houses if necessary. The city has condemned the stables: can Cole help turn that around?
Cole & his dad gradually overcome their doubts and resentment to respect one another.
Unique story with lots to discuss.
Cole & his dad gradually overcome their doubts and resentment to respect one another.
Unique story with lots to discuss.