BAD NEWS FOR OUTLAWS

Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. Marshal. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 2009. ISBN 978-0-8225-6764-6.

PLOT SUMMARY:
The biography of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, who was born into slavery in 1838. After escaping from his owner, Reeves went to Indian Territory and lived among the Indians. In 1875, Judge Isaac C. Parker arrived in Indian territory, intent on bringing law to it. The judge hired Reeves to be a deputy marshal, and he quickly became expert and adept at capturing the wanted outlaws. Feared, hated, and respected, during Reeves' thirty-two year career, he captured more than three thousand men and women-- blacks, whites and Indians. He even arrested his own son after he killed his wife in an argument. Bass Reeves was never injured in the line of duty, and he only killed fourteen men.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

The book opens with Bass Reeves being shot at by outlaw Jim Webb, and Reeves taking him down. Out of respect, Webb gave Reeves his revolver. The second painting is remarkable. Bass Reeves is holding his revolver, looking as if he is pointing it at you-- the reader. While the brushstrokes are wide, the detailing in the painting brings it to life-- Reeves has one eye shut, the shadowing on his face is realistic, and the barrel of the gun is enlarged to show closeness.

The vernacular in the story adds to the authenticity of the time. The western words are defined in a glossary in the back of the book for readers unfamiliar with any of the words. The book is laid out in time periods-- first Reeves' slave days to show readers where he came from. Second, his free period after the Civil War ended, when he worked and raised a family while living in Indian territory. The biggest period of his life, Reeves was a Deputy U.S. Marshal, and most of the book revolves around this period. The story reads like a tall tale as it is hard to believe one man could catch so many outlaws single-handedly, which makes the story even more fascinating to read. The illustrations enhance the story, showing Reeves on the trail, camping out while searching for outlaws, and describing many of the ways Reeves caught the outlaws, such as disguising himself as a cowboy, a tramp, and even putting his horse in disguise. The colors in the illustrations also enhance the story, as dark and light tones of faces and backgrounds illuminate the different races. The cultural depictions of each character seem authentic, and no bias or stereotyping is present. When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, Reeves's life as a deputy U.S. Marshal ended as the Indian Territory also ceased to exist. Even though he was almost 70 by now and walking with a cane, he became a police officer, and during his two years on the force, there were no crimes occurring in his patrol area!

The author (Vaunda Micheaux Nelson) and the illustrator, R. Gregory Christie, are both prior recipients of the Coretta Scott King Awards (Honor Awards). Together they have partnered to bring an amazing, true story to life. This one should be shared freely as students will love the history, and the way in which the story reads.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award

Publisher's Weekly:
With lively language and anecdotes, Nelson (Juneteenth ) chronicles the life of African-American lawman Bass Reeves in a biography that elevates him to folk hero. It's an arresting portrait of a man who rose from escaped slave in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) to become a federal marshal who made thousands of arrests, including his own son, but killed only 14 men.

School Library Journal:
Reeves is an unsung hero of the American West whose honesty and sense of duty are an inspiration to all. In a frontier brimming with treachery and lawlessness, this African-Christie's memorable paintings convey Reeves's determination and caring, while rugged brushstrokes form the frontier terrain. Youngsters will find much to admire here.

Booklist:
Nelson and Christie know the proper way to open a western with a showdown. An exciting subject captured with narrative panache and visual swagger, Bass Reeves stands to finally gain his share of adulation from kids drawn to the rough-and-tumble Old West.

CONNECTIONS:
* At the end of the book, there is a glossary of the western words used in the book. Words such as chuck wagon, desperado, and vittles are defined. Have students find other western words either online or in other books, and add them to the glossary. Students could also make a glossary of other unfamiliar words they might encounter in their readings-- such as a glossary of Southern words.

* There is also a timeline after the story chronicling the years of Bass Reeves' life. Have students research their state's history with slavery. Which side of the Civil War was your state on? Were there Indians in your state? If so, were there deputy US Marshals like Bass Reeves.

* The U.S. Marshal Service has a website; http://www.usmarshals.gov/usmsforkids/index.html
This site gives a history of U.S. Marshals. Have students research the history. Are there still U.S. Marshals today? If so, what does their job entail today?

* Lawless Belle Starr, nicknamed "Bandit Queen", feared Bass Reeves so much she turned herself in for the first and only time. Research Belle Starr and her history.