The Paniolo Preservation Society seeks to “preserve and promote the heritage of the Hawaiian cowboy.” In 2003, the group commissioned a statue of paniolo Ikua Purdy, who was elected to the National Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1999. (Photo credit: courtesy of Paniolo Preservation Society)
Ever since writing Cowboy Up! Ride the Navajo Rodeo, I’ve been amazed at discovering so many rodeo hotspots I had never imagined.
The 24th Panaewa Stampede Rodeo graced Hawaii’s Big Island in Feburary. The second annual Molokai Ranch Heritage Rodeo is a budding tradition, too.
As a fish-brain surgeon or a rodeo poem wrangler, I have loved stories. I strongly believe that words – in poetry or prose – help heal our hearts and give us new eyes to see the world. I was first a research psychologist studying brain development at the University of Minnesota and London University before following my passion – writing for children. Learn more...