Black & Kiddo

A True Story of Dust, Determination, and Cowboy Dreams

In Northwest Arkansas, Buy Books Here:

Barnes & Noble and Night Bird Books in Fayetteville

Westwood Gardens stores in Fayetteville, Springdale, & Rogers

Bookish in Fort Smith

Daisies and Olives in Prairie Grove

Nelms Gallery in Jasper

Low Gap Cafe in Low Gap.

Copies are also available in Prairie Grove Library and Lincoln Library.

Hear the music of a singing cowboy—who almost becomes Roy Rogers—as he finds love with a hat-wearing quirky lady. Their coming-of-age stories converge revealing lives honed by life-threatening hardships in the flatlands of Texas, the high plains of New Mexico, and the green hills of the Arkansas Ozarks. In an unlikely "Land of Opportunity," their sons rise, and Black & Kiddo turn weathered hands to new work, heartened by the long arc of dreams.

Praise for Black & Kiddo: 

"I treasure this book about a man who was almost famous and the feisty woman who was the love of his life. The story unfolds against a background of rural America as it undergoes decades of important change. The people you’ll meet here are extraordinary in their resilience and their passion for each other, their families, and for a life that included enough hard work to stop me in my tracks. Brenda Black’s writing brings out the adventures, the humor, and, best of all, her own palpable affection for Black and Kiddo. Well done."

—Anne Hillerman, New York Times bestselling author, Spider-Woman's Daughter, Rock with Wings, Song of the Lion, Cave of Bones

"This true American saga captures the spirit of the West and makes a music of eternal hope. A heartening tale thick with humor, honesty, and insight that will deepen your sense of Home."
—Max Evans, The Rounders, The Hi Lo Country [books & film]

“The structure is brilliant. The history is fascinating and accurate. The characters are clearly defined and I do love them. Loa is a prize villain. The story flows well, beautifully. And the ending is perfect. Not a dry eye in THIS house!”

—Linda M. Hasselstrom, Award-winning South Dakota author, Gathering from the Grassland

“One of the most human stories I’ve ever read.”

—Gerald Klingaman, PhD., University of Arkansas Professor Emeritus, author of The Civil War Diary of John Klingaman

“Parallel stories of Black and Kiddo merge into a remarkable love story. Love dominates this book—love of land, love of family, love of animals, love of music and art, love of serving others—made even more precious with the sacrifices. Not a religious book by nature, sincere trust in God permeates throughout. Quiet humor, gentle wisdom, life-long passions and dreaming, and an unbelievable strength and courage. “No tears” was the rule in Kiddo’s family but fortunately does not apply to the reader. I sobbed when I read the last line of this story. Five words said so much. This book is a treasure!”

—Marilyn H. Collins, CHS Publishing, Rogers: The Town the Frisco Built, Writing History Right"