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Bad News For Outlaws: The Remarkable Life Of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal (2009)

by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson(Favorite Author)
4.03 of 5 Votes: 3
ISBN
0822567644 (ISBN13: 9780822567646)
languge
English
publisher
Carolrhoda Books
review 1: As a teacher, I can say this book has it all. As a reader, I literally shouted out loud, "That's awesome!" twice while reading it. This biographical picture book on Bass Reeves was all new to me. It tells the story of his life as a deputy U.S. Marshall. I haven't read many stories to my students about African American cowboys, but this one was so engaging, it makes me want to find more. It's interesting that the author wrote about how Bass Reeves began his life as a slave, but doesn't spend much time on that aspect of his life. There is a great deal of time spent on his life as a famous lawman. The language includes a great deal of old-west words and phrases, but the "Western Words" glossary at the end help bridge this gap for younger readers. In fact, the author includes ... morea great deal of extras at the end of the book (timeline, further reading and websites, more information about Indian Territory and a selected bibliography). All of these lend a great deal of authenticity to the work. When I think about this book in terms of education, I can see how it pushes past the standard single story in many books with African American characters. Bass Reeves was a former slave and there is so much more to his story. His interactions with the Native Americans made me think about how two groups of people came together to survive changing times and a country which refused to treat either group of people as equal to Whites.
review 2: Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux; Christie, R. Gregory; Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, Carolrhoda Books, 2009, biography, 3rd – 6th, lexile 860L , rate 5This is a story about Deputy Bass Reeves and the many adventures and bravery he overcame tracking down outlaws and bringing them to jail.I rate this 5. This biography is beautifully written and reminds me of the book John Henry that I read a few weeks back. The book brings us into Bass’s world and shows us the ways he put his life at risk incognito to take down outlaws. The illustrations are beautiful as well and help reads envision the story they are reading. It’s a book to show readers what an honest man can accomplish and how bravery can keep a village safe. less
Reviews (see all)
mwright
A far better role model for young boys than some of today's men. An amazing amount of integrity.
sharona
Excellent illustrations and riveting style. Wonderful biography of an amazing man. Grades 4+
amanda
A sometimes violent (for a picture book) story about a little known historical figure.
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