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cmbohn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
Great to read more true history about the Old West.
kitsuneheart's review against another edition
5.0
Now, if your child likes Wild West stories, you HAVE to give them a copy of this book! It is a great story of the lawless days of the American frontier, without even taking into account the accuracy of the history and how little the book flinches from America's more sordid past. The book talks freely of Reeves's days as a slave, his escape, his life in the Indian Terrirory, and the racial backlash he faced as a Black deputy marshal. It even makes sure to point out that there were thousands of illegal squatters/settlers in the Indian Territories that the American government did nothing about, and a note at the end makes it apparent that this is because the American government was planning to annex the Territories, and having those squatters there would make the fight easier.
It's a very text-heavy book, so it won't work for a storytime. In addition, the frequent talk of shootings, crimes, and so on does mean it wouldn't fit in so well in with school curriculum. HOWEVER, this definitely deserves a reading. I'd say include this in a recommended reading list, in the hopes that a few kids will try it out, and be so impressed that they show it to the rest of the class.
The artwork is kind of interesting to me, as the bodies and faces look a little collaged together, somehow, and yet the eyes are so very detailed. It's an odd choice, but it looks fine. Just not something I'm used to seeing.
The book ends with a little dictionary of frontier terms, and some extra history, to go into more detail on the events of Reeves's life and the world in which he lived. A perfect extra nugget in a book which is already so chock full of information.
It's a very text-heavy book, so it won't work for a storytime. In addition, the frequent talk of shootings, crimes, and so on does mean it wouldn't fit in so well in with school curriculum. HOWEVER, this definitely deserves a reading. I'd say include this in a recommended reading list, in the hopes that a few kids will try it out, and be so impressed that they show it to the rest of the class.
The artwork is kind of interesting to me, as the bodies and faces look a little collaged together, somehow, and yet the eyes are so very detailed. It's an odd choice, but it looks fine. Just not something I'm used to seeing.
The book ends with a little dictionary of frontier terms, and some extra history, to go into more detail on the events of Reeves's life and the world in which he lived. A perfect extra nugget in a book which is already so chock full of information.
lattelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
There’s a lot in this world that I don’t know, but I’m glad to say that Bass Reeves is someone I now know of. And what an amazing person he is. He defied those who disliked seeing a black man in a position of lawful power, and was successful at it: he caught each and every one of his targets, dead or alive.
Information prevails in this picturebook, but it is not overpowering–and with Christie’s realistic illustrations, this book is an incredible introduction into nonfiction and biographies. Altogether, this was a highly informative and intriguing book shedding light upon a forgotten story.
Review cross-listed here!
Information prevails in this picturebook, but it is not overpowering–and with Christie’s realistic illustrations, this book is an incredible introduction into nonfiction and biographies. Altogether, this was a highly informative and intriguing book shedding light upon a forgotten story.
Review cross-listed here!
dahliabull4's review against another edition
4.0
This was really intriguing for my students. It kept their attention and they were engaged with the story.
annalisenak97's review against another edition
5.0
What a cool guy with an awesome mustache. This really reads like a tall tale from the Old West, but this is a true story. And the illustrations are bold and bright and breathtaking.
mallorykjorgensen's review against another edition
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.
owlette's review against another edition
3.0
Some of the illustrated pictures felt redundant, but the prose was fun to read and would be more fun to hear it read out loud by a narrator with the right accent.