Caldecott Honoree Gordon C. James and Coretta Scott King Award-winner Vaunda Micheaux Nelson Partner Up for Let ‘Er Buck!, a New Picture Book from Millbrook Press

February 7, 2019

MINNEAPOLIS, MN—Discover the thrilling story of how African American cowboy George Fletcher won the popular vote at the 1911 Pendleton Round-Up in Let ‘Er Buck! George Fletcher, the People’s Champion, from Carolrhoda Books®, a division of Lerner Publishing Group™. Told with a Western twang by Coretta Scott King Award-winner Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, this exceptional picture book covers Fletcher’s young life, his early days as a bronc buster, and his historic ride at the 1911 Pendleton Round-Up. With striking illustrations by Caldecott Honoree Gordon C. James, Let ‘Er Buck! will captivate readers of all ages.

In 1911, three men were in the final round of the famed Pendleton Round-Up. One was white, one was American Indian, and one was black. When the judges declared the white man the winner, the audience was outraged. They named black cowboy George Fletcher the “people’s champion” and took up a collection, ultimately giving Fletcher far more than the value of the prize that went to the official winner. Learn more about this celebrated cowboy and first African American competitor in the Pendleton Round-Up, whose statue now stands in Pendleton, Oregon.

Let ‘Er Buck! is a must-read for history buffs, cowboy fans, and anyone who loves a good yarn.

Advance Praise for Let ‘Er Buck!:

“A distinguished depiction of men and horses, and an under-told piece of history from the Old West.”—starred, Booklist
“James’ painterly oils swirl with energy. . . . A champion indeed.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
“[A] triumphant tale of fairness trumping prejudice for a wrangler extraordinaire.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
“The rollicking language and gorgeous art make this a terrific read-aloud . . .”—starred, School Library Journal

Visit lernerbooks.com to look inside!

About the Publisher
Since 1969, Carolrhoda Books®, a division of Lerner Publishing Group™, has been publishing award-winning, high-quality picture books, middle-grade fiction, and nonfiction titles that spark children’s imaginations and offer new ways of looking at the world.

Let ‘Er Buck! George Fletcher, the People’s Champion
February 2019
$18.99 Hardcover, Jacketed
eBook Also Available
Ages 8–12
LB: 978-1-5124-9808-0
40 Pages ● 9 1/4 × 11

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Lindsay Matvick
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800-328-4929, x385
lmatvick@lernerbooks.com

Libby Stille
Publicist
800-328-4929, x347
lstille@lernerbooks.com

To Purchase: Visit your local bookstore, order by phone at 800-328-4929, or visit us at lernerbooks.com.

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