Bad News for Outlaws

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal Written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson Carolrhonda Books 2009
Biography 40 pages Reading Level ages 9-12
Summary
Bass grew up in the south as slave in Texas to Colonel George Reeves. Bass loved horses and was skilled with a rifle. He even accompanied his master in fighting the Civil War. Bass eventually ran to Indian Territory and started a family in Arkansas. Out west there were plenty places for outlaws to hide from the law. All the new settlers moving in wanted protection from the bandits and robbers. Bass signed up to be a U.S. Deputy Marshal under the direction of Judge Parker. Bass soon became to best marshal around. He was quick with his gun and could use his left was well as his right. Being raised as a slave, Bass couldn’t read the warrants and had Judge Parker read them to him. He would memorize the descriptions and always bring the correct criminal to justice. He usually had more than one warrant, at one time he brought in seventeen prisoners. He was a good man and saved shooting until the last resort. He would often use disguises to find his targets. He was dedicated and took his time in planning each capture. He pretended to be a farmer, cowboy and even an outlaw looking for partners. He had a strong sense of right and even turned his son in for murdering his wife. Bass was a deputy for thirty years until Oklahoma became a state. He had arrested more than anyone, upwards of three thousand criminals. He was never wounded and only killed fourteen men, who wouldn’t give up without a fight. He was over seventy when state lawmen took over the new state. He still worked with the police force and for the two years he served, no crimes were committed in his area. He died from Bright’s disease on January 12, 1910.
Reaction
I loved this. It was informational, but had an interesting subject and supporting paintings. It was well organized and used shorter sentences rather than droning on and becoming too long. Each paragraph had a bolded first sentence which led into the topic covered on that page. It was quick and easy to follow and I learned a lot in those few pages.
Potential Problems
There is a painting of Bass looking over Webb in the first few pages. He was a lawman and had to shoot those who tried to kill him.
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to students who love reading about the Wild West and the heroes that aren’t well known. This would be a great book to start a unit on early U.S. law or settling the Indian Territory.