Alice from Dallas by Marilyn Sadler

Alice is a cowgirl.  A young cowgirl, but she's dedicated to it.  Imagine how she feels when another cowgirl shows up in class.  She's from Texas and has spurs and a hat, too...

Abrams Books for Young Reader's sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  You can find a copy at your local bookstore now.

Alice has never had any competition before.  After all, her Dallas is in Pennsylvania and there aren't a lot of cowgirls there.  When Lexie shows up, she's got a bigger hat and more charm.  When Lexie ties her hobby horse to the tree Alice uses, it's a bit much.  But when she has her big hat hung on the peg that Alice uses, that's it!  Alice throws the hat on the floor and challenges her to a showdown!

Lexie wins the lasso competition but Alice wins the dancing.  When Lexie falls down during her attempt to dance, she bruises her foot.  She's not in school the next day and Alice can't stand it. She goes to visit to see if she's OK.  Then, suddenly, the two cowgirls become friends.  And Alice finds out that Lexie is from Texas, Indiana.

The use of town names to find their identities amused me.  The artwork is simple and lovely and has a feel of tall tale telling.  The cowgirls agree to help each other learn the things they excel in so it's a happy ever after.  Here's a fun read for your young one.