Owens, R.J. Cowgirl Dreaming. Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, Illus. Abrams, 05/2026. [36]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-949480-57-3. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.
A young girl describes her nervous anticipation as she prepares to ride in her first Black Cowboy parade in Oakland, California. She looks forward to seeing the other horses and riders and showing what she and her horse Garbo can do; she remembers how her late brother encouraged her, and how she wants to honor him with the No Gun Violence theme. The warm, emotive text and the distinctive colored pencil and collage artwork combine to depict a loving family in a proud neighborhood, with vivid Oakland-specific details. The book ends with notes from both the author and illustrator about Oakland’s Black Cowboy Association. Includes California-specific content.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool