The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge

The True West: Children’s Book Review & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #178

June 30, 2020 / 54 Comments
The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge
*This book was gifted to me for purposes of this review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

How much do we really know about the prominent characters who were instrumental in settling the American West? More importantly, how many of us realize that many of the renowned figures from the American West were women and minorities? Historians have estimated that 1 in 4 cowboys during the settling of the Wild West were black, latino, Native American, or women. So why have their powerful and inspiring stories not been given the same amount of attention as the white European men who also played an enormous role in settling the American West?

Well, you don’t have to answer that last question because I am certain we all know the answer as it points directly to the very disheartening state of racial inequality in our country today. Fortunately, author Mifflin Lowe and illustrator Wiliam Luong have fulfilled their mission to share these powerful stories of the Wild West’s unsung heroes. They have recently published The True West in an effort to educate and entertain while showing us that the story of the American West is truly everyone’s story.

The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge

I received a copy of this wonderfully illustrated children’s book immediately upon publication from Bushel & Peck Books, a children’s publishing company that offers inspiring biographies and beautiful storybooks for kids which are designed “to build character, teach valuable lessons, and explore the amazing world we live in.”

For each book purchased, Bushel & Peck will donate a brand new book to a child in need. With a passion for literacy and the belief that all children deserve beautiful books in their lives, founders David, Stephanie, and Tucker Miles have made this book-for-book promise for every book sold. They have also made a commitment to a cleaner world and have promised to plant a tree for every book order received.  

The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge
The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge

The True West, written by Mifflin Lowe and illustrated by Wiliam Luong, shares 25 different stories about influential people from the American West. Each story consists of a two page spread with historical and biographical information that tells the amazing and inspiring stories of the men and women who had roles in the Wild West. Wiliam Luong’s illustrations on each page are gorgeous artistic representations of these characters which will appeal to both children and adults.

Some of my favorite stories from this book include Mamie Hafley, famous for her high diving horse act; Bass Reeves, the first black deputy U.S. Marshall west of the Mississippi; Cathay Williams, the first African-American woman to enlist in the United States Army (disguised as a man); Henry O. Flipper, the first black officer to command regular U.S. Army troops; and Mary Fields, the second woman and first African-American woman to work for the U.S. Postal Service.

Mamie Hafley

The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge

Mamie Hafley was famous for jumping from five-story towers into a pool of water while riding her horse. In 1981, she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame as a woman whose life exemplified “the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West.” In her very own words, Mamie would not be viewed as anything less than her male peers. She is quoted as saying, “In the West where I was raised, women are by no means the weaker vessel.”

Bass Reeves

The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge
The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge

Bass Reeves is known as one of the greatest lawmen ever to preside in the Wild West, tracking down and capturing over 3,000 criminals in a land that was overrun by thieves and murderers. He was born into slavery and escaped during the Civil War into “Indian Territory” where he lived with and learned the ways and languages of the Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek tribes. During his time as a lawman, Reeves was described in local newspapers as having great respect for the law, being fearless in his job responsibilities, and “knowing no master but duty.” He is quoted as saying, “Maybe the law ain’t perfect, but without it we got nuthin.”

Cathay Williams

The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge

Cathay Williams was forced to work for the Union Army as a cook and wash woman during the American Civil War. When the war ended, she needed work and did not want to rely on the charity of friends and family. Having already served in an army, she decided that she wanted to be a soldier during a time when women could not enlist. So she switched her name to William Cathay and joined as a man. She served for three years in the Buffalo Soldiers regiment with only two other soldiers knowing that she was really a woman. He secret was revealed in 1868 when she had to seek treatment for smallpox at which time she was discharged from the U.S. Army and denied the soldier’s pension that any man would have received after three years of service. Her service and her astonishing commitment to that service was not recognized until 2016.

Henry O. Flipper

The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge

Henry O. Flipper was the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later became the first non-white officer to lead the Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry. But he was not just a successful military leader. He was an incredibly skilled engineer who created a swamp drainage system which was instrumental in eliminating the threat of malaria in the United States. Flipper has been recognized by the U.S. Military Academy as an inspiring example of “leadership, self-discipline, and perseverance in the face of unusual difficulties.” He is quoted as saying, “I ask only that justice which every American citizen has the right to ask.”

Mary Fields

The True West, book review, Shelbee on the Edge

Mary Fields acquired the nickname Stagecoach Mary at the age of 63 when she won a competition as the “fastest person to hitch a team of six horses to a stagecoach.” As a result, she became the first African American woman to be employed by the U.S. Postal Service. She became widely known for her commitment to delivering the mail through any weather and despite any dangers. She once had her stagecoach overturned by a pack of wolves which she fought off through the night with her shotgun and revolver. In the morning, she righted her carriage and continued with her deliveries. Perhaps my favorite story about Mary Fields is that she opened her own restaurant but had to close it within the first year because she gave so much food away to people in need that the business couldn’t survive.

You will also find the inspiring stories of some other well known figures of the Wild West like Bill Pickett, Annie Oakley, Levi Strauss, Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane, Charley Willis, and Buffalo Bill Cody. We also learn about the Buffalo Soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalry, Mexican cowboys, Spanish expeditions, prominent Jews in the American West, Chinese railroad workers, as well as what life was like traveling across the treacherous terrain in wagon trains. Some stories are familiar while others are not, but every story had some bit of information that completely wowed me in some way. I was truly fascinated and inspired by the stories in this book.

So if you are interested in learning more about the minority people who were major influences in the settling of the American West, I highly recommend The True West. It is also great as a home schooling resource for history, reading, and literacy.

Do you have a favorite figure from American West stories that you have heard or read?

And now your featured favorites from two weeks ago.

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Alison of Midlife and Beyond shared her post, How We Spruced Up Our Outdoor Space. What a wonderful space to enjoy sitting outdoors.

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My Favorite Non-Fashion Post

Nanchi of Nanchi.blog shared her post, Fireflies Show – Light up the forest! What an amazing experience to see fireflies like this. This firefly light show is evidence of the miracles that surround us in nature and it really does give me hope for good things to come in the future of humanity. The photos in Nanchi’s post are absolutely breathtaking. Do go check them out especially if your spirit needs to be uplifted.

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Shelbee

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I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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