Adolescent Book Blog
Title: Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal
Author: Vaunda Michaeux Nelson
Illustrations (since they matter here): R. Gregory Christie
I wish it were 1996. As a twelve-year-old that year, my little rebellious streak began showing its ugly and disrespectful face. One of the casualties of that phase of my life was my love of reading. My accelerated reader points totaled up to a paltry 2.1 after a half-hearted effort reading one of the “Goosebumps” books. Had my teacher that year been Bass Reeves, I’m pretty sure my reading level would’ve stayed up, either out of fear of Mr. Reeves altogether and definitely with him pointing a loaded shotgun to my head. This book would’ve been a huge find for my reading desires back in ’96. At least I’m able to say I enjoyed reading it as a 27-year-old who reads these days mostly for business reasons and rarely pleasure.
Bass Reeves is a deputy U.S. marshall in the story. Reeves’ character is one that is very easy to understand but admirable at the same time. Reeves, a former slave, became a deputy marshal after emancipation. He’s not a vigilante, just rewarding the country that made him free (although he was a runaway slave that hid amongst the Native Americans) with his services towards law and order. Reeves operated by the law, only having to fire upon (and kill) 14 criminals. When Reeves apprehended criminals, he would lead them to justice but also talk to them about the Bible, including his own son. In short, Reeves utilized his freedom in a way that was to be beneficial for the United States. Upon my visit to the Frazier Museum this afternoon, there was a section covering the Wild West and how it became “wild” in the aftermath of the Civil War. Based on the criminal activity out west, there was a strong need for men like Bass Reeves.
The illustrations in this book depict the exact emotions that the author describes in his writing. They very much highlight the story of Reeves’ life. The illustrations are an intricate part of the story.
The one question that I think would come to mind would be if there was any conflict within Reeves’ conscience when he hunted down runaway fugitives since technically, Reeves was at one time in his life, a fugitive slave. Would he have held it against anyone if they had turned him in?
What a fun review to read! I believe this book made it as a nominee on the Kentucky Bluegrass Award list for middle schools, or at least was praised highly by the media specialist. That is an neat connection that can be made with the Frazier History museum. Would you recommend this as a class read, a small group share, or independent reading? And I wonder if students need to have it pointed out that the pictures tell part of the story or if that is an obvious feature.
ReplyDeleteI would go with it as a group share. I think it can honestly take a whole lesson and in between some of the pages the reading can be stopped for some discussion.
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