Author: Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie
Category: Coretta Scott King Award Book
I picked up this book at the public library last week to (almost) finish my reading journal blog. This title was selected to fulfill the Coretta Scott King Award book category. Bad News for Outlaws is the 2010 Coretta Scott King Award winner. The librarian was very enthusiastic about her recommendation of this book, as it is a recent acquisition for our library. It was all shiny and crisp, still on the new book cart by the circulation desk – just waiting for someone to take it home. So I did – I was the first one. I’d like to start out by saying that this book has absolutely gorgeous illustrations! I really like it better than some of the Caldecott Award winning books that I’ve reviewed for my blog. The pictures practically jump off the page. The rich, warm colors beautifully tell the story of Bass Reeves, and what a story it is! This book addresses diversity in a very straightforward manner, explaining that Bass Reeves was different from most U.S. Marshals trying to keep the peace in hostile Indian Territory. He was different because he was black. Growing up as a slave, he overcame many obstacles to become a revered and feared man of law who was honest and fair. I love the way that this story is presented, because it reads like a tall tale – but it is actually a historical biography designed to entice young readers. This is one of the big revelations I’ve had through completing this reading journal blog. I was totally unaware of the creative ways that nonfiction literature can be presented. This book is honest and forthright about the pleasant and unpleasant aspects of this American hero’s life. Bass Reeves was a slave who was believed to have escaped to freedom after a physical conflict with his owner. It seems very strange to even write that sentence – to think that one person could OWN another. I think kids need to hear that – to see how far we have come as a nation – and to remember to always value the rights of others. The book specifically stated that some white people didn’t’ like the notion of a black man with a badge. However, the focus of the book was on the great accomplishments of Reeves’ thirty two years of service to peace-keeping in the American West. The exciting stories of this man’s life are written in such a way that the reader is drawn in and hanging on the next work. Bad guys – lots and lots of bad guys – are arrested and brought to justice under this marshal’s reign. Even Reeves’ own son was not exempt from his dedication to justice and fairness. I love the stories of how Bass Reeves used cunning and craftiness in his approach to catching criminals on the run. He altered his appearance, rode on broken down horses, and assumed the identity of the wanted – in order to capture the wanted. Bass Reeves was a good moral man who resorted to violence as a last resort and was dedicated to his calling. And I’d never heard of him. I’m really happy that I had the opportunity to read this book and to learn about his life. I love how this book addresses diversity by brilliantly telling the extraordinary story of a remarkable man who was simply forgotten. I am excited about the power that we possess in children’s literature to introduce kids to wonderful human beings through the enchanting and compelling media of storybooks. What a wonderful way to immortalize historical figures – especially minority figures – who easily slip through the pages of history books without being noticed, or who simply fail to make the pages at all. I love kiddie lit that entertains and inspires – and this book does just that!!!
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