Super Cowboy Rides

Super Cowboy Rides by Daris Howard

About The Book:

Meet six-year-old Tommy Johnson, Super Cowboy and Super Story-teller. In Super Cowboy Rides, Daris Howard captures boyhood in rural America, as seen through the eyes of his precocious, adventurous narrator. Want to build a box to capture wild cats that roam the farm? How about tips on catching a greased pig at the fair, or teaching a stubborn lamb to avoid being trampled by angry milk cows? From the first paragraph, when Tommy explains why a boy needs a dog for a pet instead of a cat, he wins us over with his down-to-earth and humorous view of the world. But once Tommy begins school, things get complicated. He cannot learn to read. He gets put in the lowest reading group and told to stay in the back of the classroom coloring. He gets picked on by teachers and mocked by classmates. And when tragedy strikes to shatter his idyllic world even further, Tommy must carry a burden far beyond what any first-grader should have to face. In the process of dealing with his grief, Tommy learns the meaning of true friendship.

My Thoughts:

I like that the story is told from Tommy's point of view. Otherwise, this story would not have rung true, I don't think. Tommy is a special little guy! He sure can get into some trouble. For the older readers of this book, the stories will bring back memories from when you were a kid yourself. And for the younger readers, they will get a good story, plus some great lessons learned as well. A good family-time story as well, to be read chapter by chapter. Tommy really should be called Callan though, since I swear, he and my son are the same person! *smile*

About The Author:

Daris Howard is an author and playwright who grew up on a farm in rural Idaho. Throughout his life he has associated with many colorful characters including cowboys, farmers, lumberjacks, truck drivers, factory workers, and others while working in these and other industries. He will jokingly say that his best job was working in a fast food establishment, because that was what gave him the motivation to attend college. He was a state champion wrestler and competed in college athletics. He also lived for eighteen months in New York when he was 19-21 years old. Daris and his wife, Donna, have ten children and were foster parents for several years. He has also worked in scouting and cub scouts, at one time having 18 boys in his scout troop. Daris is now a math professor and his classes are well known for the stories he tells to liven up discussion and to help bring across the points he is trying to teach. His plays, musicals, and books build on the characters of those he has associated with, along with his many experiences. He also writes a popular weekly newspaper column called "Life's Outtakes" that are short stories from his life and the lives of those he has known. His scripts and books are much like his stories, full of humor and real life experiences. He has had his plays translated into German and French and performed in many countries around the world. His plays have won many awards including the National Theatre Co-op Award, the Deseret Dramatic Award, semifinalist in the Moondance Film and Theatre Festival, and his book, The Three Gifts, has won the Editor's Choice Award.

Buy this book at Super Cowboy Rides on Amazon.

 
I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.