Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal

Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux, Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, Carolrhoda Books, 2008, 41 pgs.

Summary: The story of U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves is historical. Bass Reeves was a slave in Oklahoma. When he couldn’t take it anymore he ran away to Indian Territory and once slavery was outlawed, he was chosen to be a U.S. Marshal in Indian Territory. Bass Reeves could not read, as most slaves could not at this time, so he had to memorize all the details of the outlaws he tracked down from what was read to him. Bass Reeves also used unique was to catch his fugitives such as disquises, tricks, and yes sometimes force. Not everybody appreciated Bass Reeves as most whites still disliked African Americans, but he was highly respected. Bass Reeves even had to arrest his own son for killing another person. Bass Reeves hung up his U.S. Marshal’s hat when Oklahoma became a state, but still worked as a law man. In total Bass Reeves captured over 3000 fugitives.

Evaluation: This was really a very remarkable story and I really enjoyed reading it. The illustrations added that little extra to the story to make it come to life. I can’t believe I had no idea about this historical person and I wish more information was available. I felt it was a very unique way to look at a very historical part of our national story.

Annotation: U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves is hunting you, but you don’t know how he will find you, only that he will.

Significance of Book: This book highlights a very important part of history as well as an U.S. Marshal’s life that made history himself as an African American lawman.

Genre/subject: Biography, history

Awards:

National:

• ALA Notable Children's Books: 2010
• Capitol Choices: 2010
• Coretta Scott King Author Award: 2010
• Golden Kite Honors: 2010
• Kirkus Best Children's Books: 2009
• Notable Books for a Global Society: 2010

State:

• Indiana: Young Hoosier Award Nominees: 2012
• Louisiana: Young Readers' Choice Award Nominees: 2012
• Oklahoma: Sequoyah Award Nominees: 2012
• Rhode Island: Children's Book Award Nominees: 2012
• South Carolina: Children's Book Award Nominees: 2012

Why I selected the book: I was recommended to read this book by the youth librarian at my library. She felt it was worthy of its awards and I wanted to read a Coretta Scott King winner.

Price: $26.80