Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri

My latest read is Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri.  This is an inspirational coming of age story about family, friends, and doing what's right.  Based on the real-life black cowboy culture of Brooklyn and Philadelphia, Neri gives us a story about a young boy who discovers himself while learning the ins and outs of doing things the Cowboy Way.  He learns about forgiveness and family and how friends will always have your back.  In growing up, he finds his voice in the face of great adversity.  This is a fast-paced read that will leave you wanting to know more about the real inspiration of this tale.

Ghetto Cowboy tells the story of Cole, a young man who has found himself in constant trouble.  His mom, who has raised him by herself since Cole was a baby, is at her wit's end.  When Cole gets in trouble again at school, she decides to drive him to Philadelphia and leave him with his father, a man he doesn't even know.  Cole is shocked to find out that his father is part of a deep-rooted black cowboy culture, right in the heart of the city.  This is so far from what Cole has known growing up in Detroit.  He fights it at first, but soon finds himself with a growing admiration for his new life.  When the city decides they are going to shut down the stables, Cole takes matters in to his own hands and decides to fight this injustice the only way he knows how, the Cowboy Way.  

 

From Amazon: 

Now a feature film, Concrete Cowboy, starring Idris Elba

“Original in theme and inspirational in tone and content.” — Booklist

From a Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor winner comes a street- smart tale about a displaced teen who learns to defend what’s right — the Cowboy Way. Inspired by the little- known urban riders of Philly and Brooklyn, this compelling tale of latter- day cowboy justice champions a world where your friends always have your back, especially when the chips are down.