Beth Fish Reads: Review: The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale by Sneed B. Collard III

21 July 2011

Review: The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale by Sneed B. Collard III

Do you know where to buy a bucking bronco? On the third weekend of May each year, you'd go to Miles City, Montana, where you'd be sure to find the feistiest horses in the West.

In The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale author Sneed B. Collard III gives us the grand tour of one of the the oldest and biggest events for the sale of unruly horses. The story of the Bucking Horse Sale is, in many ways, the story of the American West itself, and Collard helps middle readers make connections that reach more than a hundred years into our nation's past.

Illustrated by stunning photographs, both contemporary and historic, the book takes us into the heart of the four-day event. From concerts, parades, and the winners of the Miss Southeastern Montana Rodeo pageant to the bone-jarring action of horse and and bull riding and the accompanying auction, we see it all. And throughout the book, Collard introduces us to some of the stars, such as one of the oldest bull riders on the circuit, a young boy who collects the flank straps after each ride, and a little girl who competes in the mutton busting.

For readers who don't spend half their life in a saddle, there is plenty of background information. For example, we learn just how long a few seconds can be when trying to stay on top of a bucking bull or horse. We also meet some of the most famous women rodeo stars and discover how the rodeo got started in the first place. (Don't miss the historic photo of Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West show.) In the back of the book you'll find a glossary (so you can look up flank strap) and resources "For Further Learnin'."

The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale has something for everyone who's interested in horses, the rodeo, action photography, and the American West and how it's surviving in the modern world. Although the book is geared to middle readers, adults will find plenty to to keep their interest. Collard's book could also fit nicely into a homeschool curriculum.

Give it to me quickly: Through the story of the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, young readers learn about the rodeo and its deep roots in the American West; generously illustrated with beautiful photographs.

The World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale was a finalist for the High Plains Book Awards. To learn more about Collard B. Sneed and his many books for young readers, be sure to visit his website. This review will be linked to Kid Konnection, hosted by Julie at Booking Mama.

The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale at an Indie

The Miles City Bucking Horse Sale at Powell's

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7 comments:

Beth Kephart, 7/21/11, 6:54 AM: I have seen mention to this book in a couple of places, and was surprised but delighted to find it here, with you.
bermudaonion, 7/21/11, 8:36 AM: I bet this one's worth getting for the photos alone!
Col (Col Reads), 7/21/11, 10:38 AM: It's so hard to find really good non-fiction for young readers. Thanks for this recommendation!
Zibilee, 7/21/11, 12:10 PM: I used to ride a lot when I was a youngster, but haven't done so in a long time. It sounds like this might be a great read that I could share with my daughter, who loves all things horse. Thanks for the great review, and for sharing the pictures as well!
Julie P., 7/21/11, 2:23 PM: I would probably find this interesting. I grew up in Texas and attended a few rodeos! Plus there's the farm show here in Harrisburg.
Sheila (Bookjourney), 7/21/11, 7:40 PM: I have friends who have a horse farm and invite people there for lessons - I am telling them about this book.
Ondrej from Nicholas Sparks Books, 7/22/11, 3:07 AM: I grew up on May's books (Winnetou and such), so I've also developed a keen interest in anything Wild West Related; thanks for the recommendation.