Real Cowboys

Written by: Kate Hoefler and Jonathan Bean

First line: Real cowboys are quiet in the morning, careful not to wake the people who live in little houses in the hollow, and up in the mountains, and at the edge of fields in the distance.

Why you should read this book: This is a high-interest story that had my room full of rowdy kindergarteners in rapt attention, quietly hanging on every word. Readers will learn about the real work that cowboys do, and the real strength and emotion it takes to do this work. They will also learn that cowboy stereotypes are just stories, and that real cowboys transcend race and gender.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You're already out on the open range.