The Journal of Joshua Loper A Black Cowboy

Walter Dean Myers's "The Journal of Joshua Loper" offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a sixteen-year-old Black cowboy on his inaugural cattle drive in 1871. Told through Joshua's journal entries, the book immerses readers in the historical challenges of the American West, including the physical demands of the trail and the subtle, yet pervasive, discrimination faced by African Americans during that era. It's a story of perseverance, self-discovery, and quiet bravery, making it suitable for children aged 8-11 who are ready for a thoughtful historical fiction chapter book.