Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. As a deputy U.S. Marshal--and former slave who escaped to freedom in the Indian Territories--Bass was cunning ...
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reviews
May 12, 2011
babyhippoface
rated it: 
Legendary lawman Bass Reeves went from slavery to wearing a star for the U.S.Marshall's office, capturing over 3,000 bad guys in Indian Territory and beyond. I will admit this laudatory picture book came close to being over the top in it's adulation--from what I read here, Bass was darn near perfect.
But you know what? That's okay. Some men deserve to be remembered that way, and apparently Reeves is one of those men. Bravo, Bass.
I appreciated the author's note at the end that More...
But you know what? That's okay. Some men deserve to be remembered that way, and apparently Reeves is one of those men. Bravo, Bass.
I appreciated the author's note at the end that More...
Feb 18, 2011
Crista
rated it:
2010 Coretta Scott King Award Winner.
When looking at the Coretta Scott King Award and applying it to the 2010 winner, Bad News for Outlaws, The remarkable life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, I came to the following analysis. This colorfully narrated story was written by by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Each page describes factually accounts and details of the legendary life of Bass Reeves. The language used is straight from that time period, whi More...
When looking at the Coretta Scott King Award and applying it to the 2010 winner, Bad News for Outlaws, The remarkable life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, I came to the following analysis. This colorfully narrated story was written by by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie. Each page describes factually accounts and details of the legendary life of Bass Reeves. The language used is straight from that time period, whi More...
Jan 25, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
Wow, what an amazing story. I knew that there had been African American cowboys, but I had never heard of a black deputy U.S. marshal during this era! I love the fact that he was so well respected that criminals would turn *themselves* in if they found out he was the one with a warrant for their arrest. He is a great historic role model for African American boys (and boys in general). He was a brave, honorable man, who fought hard to uphold the law as a deputy U.S. in Indian Territory for 32
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Jan 20, 2011
Nancy
rated it:
Published: 2009, Carolrhoda Books
Age: 9-12
Boys will especially like this book about a black cowboy. Who knew there were escaped slaves living in Indian Territory during the Civil War? This interesting story about sharp shooter Bass Reeves is informative and fun. Bass has some skeletons in his closet too, but he is a law abiding, fearless man who is deputized by Judge Isaac Parker to catch bad guys--and he catches a lot. The illustrations by R. Gregory Christie are colorful and bring More...
Age: 9-12
Boys will especially like this book about a black cowboy. Who knew there were escaped slaves living in Indian Territory during the Civil War? This interesting story about sharp shooter Bass Reeves is informative and fun. Bass has some skeletons in his closet too, but he is a law abiding, fearless man who is deputized by Judge Isaac Parker to catch bad guys--and he catches a lot. The illustrations by R. Gregory Christie are colorful and bring More...
May 01, 2010
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 har
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May 01, 2010
Brooke
rated it: 
Summary: From Amazon
Tales of the Wild West don't get any better than the life and times of Bass Reeves, the first African-American deputy U.S. marshal and the most successful in American history. Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrator R. Gregory Christie--both Coretta Scott King Award honorees--bring this fascinating historical figure to life in Bad News for Outlaws, their superb book for middle grade readers. Kids will love the colorful language of the Old West, and the bold and dynamical More...
Tales of the Wild West don't get any better than the life and times of Bass Reeves, the first African-American deputy U.S. marshal and the most successful in American history. Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrator R. Gregory Christie--both Coretta Scott King Award honorees--bring this fascinating historical figure to life in Bad News for Outlaws, their superb book for middle grade readers. Kids will love the colorful language of the Old West, and the bold and dynamical More...
Mar 31, 2010
Treasa
rated it:
A great biography of a fascinating man. Bass Reeves was a deputy marshal in Oklahoma before it became a state. Completely honest and honorable, he was famous for tracking down outlaws and always getting his man. A former slave, Reeves had to overcome barriers such as his own illiteracy to become the feared deputy that he was. Reeves's story is so amazing that at times it seems more like a tall tale than a historical account. But Nelson promises in her note at the end of the book that she has tri
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Mar 13, 2010
Karen
rated it:
Towards the end of this fascinating picture book biography about the most successful Deputy U.S. Marshal in history (who happened to be a black man originally born into slavery), the author notes that "Over the years, the name of Bass Reeves faded, like one of those heroes they call unsung." Indeed, before I read his story I had never heard of this Western hero -- who was a big man in more ways than one. It's an interesting, inspiring tale about a brave, honorable man and I'm glad Va
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Feb 03, 2010
Sarah-Greenbeanteenqueen
rated it: 
About the Book: Bass Reeves was a former slave who became a U.S. Deputy Marshal. He worked hard bringing in criminals and was respected and feared for three decades. His story may sound like a tall tale, but this is the life of Bass Reeves.
GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Bad News for Outlaws is this year's Coretta Scott King Author Award winner. I'm so glad it won because not only do I think this book is incredibly deserving, but I'm not sure I would have come across it otherwise.
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GreenBeanTeenQueen Says: Bad News for Outlaws is this year's Coretta Scott King Author Award winner. I'm so glad it won because not only do I think this book is incredibly deserving, but I'm not sure I would have come across it otherwise.
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Jan 24, 2010
Heidi
rated it:
Picture Book for Older Readers
Winner of the 2010 Coretta Scott King award, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson’s well-researched account of Bass Reeves, slave turned Deputy U.S. Marshal, is a story of honesty and bravery. Bass Reeves’s story is told through a spirited, old-west narrative which will motivate reluctant readers. Kids will love learning about sharpshooter Reeves and how his disguises and trickery helped him arrest more than 3,000 outlaws over 32 years in Indian Territory. R. Gregory Chr More...
Winner of the 2010 Coretta Scott King award, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson’s well-researched account of Bass Reeves, slave turned Deputy U.S. Marshal, is a story of honesty and bravery. Bass Reeves’s story is told through a spirited, old-west narrative which will motivate reluctant readers. Kids will love learning about sharpshooter Reeves and how his disguises and trickery helped him arrest more than 3,000 outlaws over 32 years in Indian Territory. R. Gregory Chr More...
Nov 11, 2009
Eva
rated it:
As the size of the book and his portrait suggest, Bass Reeves was larger than life. Born into slavery in 1838, he escaped from his owner during the Civil War and headed off for Indian Territory, where he lived with and was sheltered by Indians. After the war, he bought a farm, married, and "true to the song of his life, Bass had a big family" - 11 children. In 1875, Bass was hired by Judge Parker to track down outlaws as a deputy U.S. marshal - and because he was smart, honorable, a cr
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Nov 07, 2009
your neighborhood librarian
rated it:
I am pretty close to loving this book. I love that Bass Reeves was a real guy, a tall black man with a bushy mustache and a deputy's star, way back when in Indian Territory. Roustin' outlaws and all that. I love that this story shows the flip side of Little House on the Prairie. And MOST of the time, I love the tone. I love the swagger of the Western lingo the author is setting down. But she's inconsistent in its use, and some of the now-obscure terms (Bass Reeves is said to have "forked"
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(1 person liked it)
Sep 08, 2009
JustOneMoreBook.com
rated it:
This true tale of swindlers, slayers, smarts and skill will lasso listeners of all stripes.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
Other biographies on JOMB:
It’s A Snap! George Eastman’s First Photograph
One Beetle Too Many — The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin
Neo Leo (the Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci)
The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau
The Value of Bel More...
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
Other biographies on JOMB:
It’s A Snap! George Eastman’s First Photograph
One Beetle Too Many — The Extraordinary Adventures of Charles Darwin
Neo Leo (the Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci)
The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau
The Value of Bel More...
Oct 19, 2011
Johnny
rated it:
Bad News for Outlaws, The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall
Genre: Biography
Summary: Bass Reeves, born a slave, escapes and becomes one of the most feared and respected U.S. Marshalss in the Oklahoma territory. An incredible story of bravery, duty, and skill with firearms sheds light onto the life of this famous lawman.
B. The text tells the true story of Bass Reeves by conveying historical facts, and examples of his heroics. The illustrations More...
Genre: Biography
Summary: Bass Reeves, born a slave, escapes and becomes one of the most feared and respected U.S. Marshalss in the Oklahoma territory. An incredible story of bravery, duty, and skill with firearms sheds light onto the life of this famous lawman.
B. The text tells the true story of Bass Reeves by conveying historical facts, and examples of his heroics. The illustrations More...
Mar 16, 2010
Heidi
rated it:
Summary: 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
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Mar 25, 2010
Jessica
rated it:
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 har
More...
May 05, 2011
June
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 24, 2010
Laura
rated it:
This picture book is about Bass Reeves, a little known African American who was a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory during the 19th century. The story begins with Reeves in a shoot-out with outlaw Jim Webb and then continues by discussing Reeves' escape from slavery, his subsequent appointment as deputy marshal, and colorful tales of how he outwitted many bandits. Much of the book reads like a tall tale, but the stories are true. The text is sprinkled with vocabulary that would be typic
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Feb 10, 2010
Emily
rated it:
This year’s Corretta Scott King winner for text is a biography of Bass Reeves, one of 200 Deputy U.S. Marshals in the Indian Territory after the Civil War. Bass was born into slavery in Arkansas, though he grew up in Texas. As far as history can tell, he escaped into Indian Territory, where he hid out until after the Civil War. He was hired as a U.S. Deputy Marshall in Indian Territory, one of the people who would bring in wanted criminals. Bass was so good at his job, some criminals would t
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Dec 19, 2011
Amy
rated it:
This was a reasonably interesting book about a very interesting man, and it has certainly made me want to learn more about Bass Reeves. The text in this book was a little too "western" for my taste, but it was appropriate to the time in which this story takes place, and I could really see it appealing to kids (boys in particular?) who are all about the Wild Wild West.
Although this is a children's book, I'm not going to read this to my niece and nephew yet. Neither of them More...
Although this is a children's book, I'm not going to read this to my niece and nephew yet. Neither of them More...
Jan 29, 2010
Nicole
rated it:
Kick ass book, hands down. Prepare yourself for a bit of a gushfest.
Could it have a cooler cover? No.
The back cover is also pretty darn cool.
It starts out with a great action story and then slips back in time and chronicles Reeves life from the beginning. Pardon me, I mean Bass' life. He is referred to by his first name throughout.
Great use of language, lots of slang from the time period with a glossary in back. "Jim Webb's luck was running mud More...
Could it have a cooler cover? No.
The back cover is also pretty darn cool.
It starts out with a great action story and then slips back in time and chronicles Reeves life from the beginning. Pardon me, I mean Bass' life. He is referred to by his first name throughout.
Great use of language, lots of slang from the time period with a glossary in back. "Jim Webb's luck was running mud More...
May 01, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Apr 06, 2010
Mallori
rated it:
Summary: This story represents a true story about a Deputy US Marshal, Bass Reeves, who became one of the most feared and respected lawmen in the Indian Territories even though there was resistance to the authority of a black lawman.
Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Genre: Picture Book
Uses: Guided Reading, Independent Reading, Read-Aloud, Shared Reading
Social Issues: This is a great book to use to explain the past of the American West. It allows the reader More...
Reading Level: Ages 8-12
Genre: Picture Book
Uses: Guided Reading, Independent Reading, Read-Aloud, Shared Reading
Social Issues: This is a great book to use to explain the past of the American West. It allows the reader More...
Mar 29, 2011
Shannon
rated it:
Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. As a U.S. Marshal - and former slave who escaped to freedom in the Indian Territories - Bass 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. For three decades, Bass was
More...
Jan 06, 2011
Jackie
rated it:
The true story of African-American U.S. Deputy Marshall, Bass Reeves, who administered law in the Old West with compassion, fairness, and lawfulness. During his remarkable career from 1875 until the early 1900's, he brought to justice hundreds of outlaws, while killing only 14 even though he was instructed to bring the criminals in 'dead or alive'. Born into slavery, Bass saw freedom once the Civil War was over, and he was sought for this tough, grueling job because of his moral ethic and adhere
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Jul 30, 2011
Kristen
rated it: 
I thought that the story of Bass Reeves was interesting, but I felt the the author could have told the story in a more compelling way. It is the story of a freed-slave who was a Deputy U.S. Marshall in Indian Territory before it was organized into the state of Oklahoma. I disagreed with Robyn that it was really wonderful, rather I thought that the author missed an opportunity to engage the reader more in what should have been a very emotional tale. I found it too much just a relating of the fact
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Mar 10, 2010
Ch_amyM
rated it:
Bass Reeves escaped from slavery after getting in a fight with his master. He made his way to what was called Indian Territory at the time. After getting married, having children, and the end of slavery he became a Deputy U.S. Marshal in the lawless territory. Over his 32 years as a deputy he arrested over 3,000 men and only had to shot 12. In this biography, Nelson chronicles the life of an unknown hero and the full page images add to the dramatic real life story. This book was awarded the Core
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Apr 08, 2010
Jess
rated it:
Bass Reeves truly did have a remarkable life, much like the title suggests. He was (seemingly) single-handedly responsible for keeping the peace in what is now Oklahoma during the days of western expansion and outlaws running loose. His career as a deputy U.S. marshal ended when Oklahoma became an official state. Rather than retiring, he joined the police force in Muskogee, despite being seventy-years-old. According to the book, not a single crime occurred during his time on the police force. I
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Mar 08, 2010
Theophilus
rated it:
I am a big fan of Bass Reeves and have read a lot about him, including several of the books referenced by the author. I expected much. It was a great book. Condensed to a perfect size for its audience with only the exciting parts left in. Not all of them mind you, but the age appropriate ones. Good to read to children and challenging for very young readers to tackle on their own, including a glossary. Why was this man left out of American Western history for so long? Thanks to the author for hel
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(1 person liked it)
Jul 19, 2010
Kristi
rated it:
Bass Reeves was a fearless man. He was a former slave who had a escaped to freedom in Indian territory. There he learned the skills that would make him the legend he is today.
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson with illustrations by R. Gregory Christie is a beautifully written and illustrated account of the life of an incredible part of United States history. These factual events are accounted for in such a way t More...
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson with illustrations by R. Gregory Christie is a beautifully written and illustrated account of the life of an incredible part of United States history. These factual events are accounted for in such a way t More...
