A review by mallorykjorgensen
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Awards Won: Corretta Scott King Award
Age Level: 9-12
This book starts off the way many good books do, and should, especially biographies: with a solid action sequence that pulls the reader in and sets the tone of what the story that follows is about. In Bad News for Outlaws this sequence is a showdown between Reeves and Jim Webb that ends with the lawman shooting his quarry but gaining the man's respect at the same time. There's the action of a chase, a mini lesson in right and wrong, and the theme that will carry throughout that Reeves was as honest and true a man as the West ever created. The illustrations beautifully capture the essence of the story. This is a great representation of The Corretta Scott King award, which chooses books that are written by African American authors who write a story that represents their culture and history. These books must provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the American dream. Nelson's story beautifully fulfills this requirement while sharing the story of Bass Reeves.
Age Level: 9-12
This book starts off the way many good books do, and should, especially biographies: with a solid action sequence that pulls the reader in and sets the tone of what the story that follows is about. In Bad News for Outlaws this sequence is a showdown between Reeves and Jim Webb that ends with the lawman shooting his quarry but gaining the man's respect at the same time. There's the action of a chase, a mini lesson in right and wrong, and the theme that will carry throughout that Reeves was as honest and true a man as the West ever created. The illustrations beautifully capture the essence of the story. This is a great representation of The Corretta Scott King award, which chooses books that are written by African American authors who write a story that represents their culture and history. These books must provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the American dream. Nelson's story beautifully fulfills this requirement while sharing the story of Bass Reeves.