Charro: The Mexican Cowboy [Hardcover]

George Ancona (Author, Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

Charro is the Mexican term for horseman, but for a Mexican a charro is much more than a cowboy. A skilled rider of horses and bulls and bucking broncos, an artist with a lariat, and a model of gentlemanly dress and behavior, the charro is also a living symbol of Mexico’s patriotic past. In the rodeo-like sport called la charrería, male charros and female charras, children and adults, show off their skill and daring. But more than that they are showing off their pride in their country--because to be a charro is to be a Mexican.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4Ancona returns with another outstanding photo-essay. This time he visits Guadalajara, Mexico on el da del charro, a day devoted to celebrating horsemanship. He gives brief historical background on la charrera, now a national sport akin to the North American rodeo, and considers the riding and roping skills needed. The author describes the events that comprise the competition and discusses the training necessary to become a charro or a charra. He concludes with mention of the days parade and returns to the arena to take a look at the childrens charreada events. Anconas pictures just keep getting better and better, moving readers forward with motion, color, and excitement. A dont miss from a master.Ruth Semrau, formerly at Lovejoy School, Allen, TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

The life of the Mexican horseman is explored in this handsome photo-essay. Ancona focuses mostly on the celebration known as el dia del charro, taking the reader through the festivities of a day that begins with a church service, then moves to a huge arena for la charreada, a rodeo-like competition in which the cowboys, or charros, display their skills; women in bright, fancy dresses parade on horseback; and a mariachi band performs. The charreada, in which youngsters show off their talents, comes later. Spanish words are smoothly integrated into detailed descriptions of the events, and Ancona's stunning color photographs capture the goings-on--from cowboys wrestling the bulls to the intricacies of the participants' exquisite garments. Beautiful and informative, this book will satisfy any reader interested in the ways of today's cowboys. A glossary is appended. Helen Rosenberg

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1st edition (April 5, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152010475
• ISBN-13: 978-0152010478
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,119,570 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charro: The Mexican Cowboy, December 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Charro: The Mexican Cowboy (Hardcover)

Lovely photos and words reveal a traditional sport, way of life and skills comparable to the American rodeo. Boys, girls, young women and men join in for a day of celebration centered around style, courage, horses and skill with a rope. Over 2 & 1/2 dozen Spanish words are introduced through the text. I would reocmmend this book to students in the 4th and 5th grades.

5.0 out of 5 stars charro cowboy, February 13, 2008

By 

Ion Gibbon (trinidad and tobago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Charro: The Mexican Cowboy (Paperback)

very good photos but not enough information on charro working life

Ion Gibbon