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

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall. Vaunda Micheaux Nelson. Illus. by Gregory Christie. Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 2009. 42 pages. $17.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-8225-6764-6. Grades 3-5.

Potential Reactions…

Kids, boys especially, love bad guys, heroes, shootouts, and adventure. This story combines all of that with education and history, but in a way that children will forget they are learning. This biography seems more like a work of fiction because the person in question is a genuine badass, an unstoppable force, yet one who knows right from wrong. I had never heard of Bass Reeves before, and I am sure most readers won’t. I also doubt the most readers will really know about the Buffalo Soldier and state of affairs out west in the late 19^th early 20^th century. This book will open readers’ eyes to all that. I think readers, especially boys, will love this book. I think girls may even be interested in learning that there were female outlaws and hell raisers too. I think there will be an initial reaction if disbelief/mistrust/confusion at the authenticity and accuracy of this story only because Bass Reeves sounds larger than life and some of his accomplishments sound impossible. I think, however, younger readers want to believe in this strength and duty and will be in awe of his shooting ability, strength, and strong stature. I think readers will be shocked and maybe a little upset to learn how he was a slave and on the run or that he would turn his own son over to the courts. These negative things, however, will start conversations, but they will be overshadowed by the interesting story.

In addition to the reaction to Bass Reeves himself and cool skills and accomplishments, I think there will be a sense of pride and appreciation for him as a strong African American role model. I think kids will love hearing of a new role model who fought crime and lived for justice. I think schools often talk about the same people over and over again (especially during African American history month) as if there is not an infinite amount of important and influential African Americans. I think this book in particular would pique the interest of young people and this culture’s roll in an often forgotten part of history. I think readers will like and appreciate the glossary of terms in the back as well as the timeline and further resources. I think this book would be a big hit in a classroom or library program.