Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
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Coretta Scott King Author Award
Read about the fascinating life of Bass Reeves, who escaped slavery to become the first African American Deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi.
Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail, because Bass always got his man, dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't like the notion of a Black lawman.
Born into slavery in 1838, Bass had a hard and violent life, but he also had a strong sense of right and wrong that others admired. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring law and order to the lawless Indian Territories, he chose Bass to be a Deputy US Marshal. Bass would quickly prove a smart choice. For three decades, Bass was the most feared and respected lawman in the territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests, and though he was a crack shot and a quick draw, he only killed fourteen men in the line of duty. The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West.
Publisher: Carolrhoda Books (R)
Published: 08/01/2009
Pages: 40
Weight: 1.1lbs
Size: 11.90h x 9.50w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9780822567646
Age: Ages 9-12
Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.2
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 131426 / Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
Award: Coretta Scott King Award - Winner
Award: Golden Kite - Honor Book
Award: Spur Awards - Finalist
Award: IndieFab awards - Silver Medal Winner
Award: Capitol Choices: Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens - Recommended
Award: Land of Enchantment Book Award - Nominee
Award: Rhode Island Children's Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award - Nominee
Award: South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award - Nominee
Award: Young Hoosier Book Award - Nominee
Award: Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award - Nominee
Award: New Mexico Book Awards - Winner
Award: Sequoyah Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Virginia Readers Choice Award - Nominee
Review Citation(s):
Booklist 10/01/2009 pg. 39
Kirkus Review - Children 10/15/2009
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2009 pg. 698
School Library Journal 11/01/2009 pg. 134
Publishers Weekly 11/02/2009 pg. 52
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2010
ALA Notable Children's Books 03/01/2010 pg. 26
Multicultural Review 08/01/2010 pg. 63
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2010 - Outstanding, Noteworthy In Style
About the Author
Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux: - Vaunda Micheaux Nelson is the author of The Book Itch, as well as three Coretta Scott King Award-winning books: No Crystal Stair, Bad News for Outlaws, and Almost to Freedom. She is a former youth services librarian in New Mexico. Visit her online vaundanelson.com.Christie, R. Gregory: - R. Gregory Christie's illustrations have earned him many awards, including a Caldecott Honor, many Coretta Scott King Honors, and multiple spots on the New York Times' annual Best Illustrated Children's Books lists. He lives in Georgia.