Bad News for Outlaws

The story of Bass Reeves is the story of a remarkable African American and a remarkable hero of the Old West. Sitting tall in the saddle, with a wide-brimmed black hat and twin Colt pistols on his belt, Bass Reeves seemed bigger than life. Outlaws feared him. Law-abiding citizens respected him. As a peace officer, he was cunning and fearless. When a lawbreaker heard Bass Reeves had his warrant, he knew it was the end of the trail because Bass Reeves always got his man — dead or alive. He achieved all this in spite of whites who didn't approve of the notion of a black lawman. Author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson's dedicated research and illustrator R. Gregory Christie's vibrant artwork brilliantly combine to capture the imposing figure of Bass Reeves in Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall. Published by Carolrhoda Books, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, this picture book accurately tells the story of a man born into slavery who grew up to become the most feared and respected lawman in the Indian Territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests, and though he was a crack shot and a quick draw, he only killed fourteen men in the line of duty. 2010 Coretta Scott King Author Book Award