Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves

Book review by Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 9+

Lively biography of brave Black marshal in the Old West.

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson Biography 2009
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age 9+

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, is an unflinching portrait of a tough man living in a tough time and place. Bass Reeves is presented as an honorable man, but violence and racism inform much of his life story. Escaped from slavery, Reeves carved out a remarkable career as a U.S. marshal, arresting thousands of outlaws in a notoriously difficult region. Racism, violence, and gunplay are integral to the story, but are presented somberly.

Community Reviews

dbatura
dbatura Adult
June 25, 2010
age 9+

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
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What's the Story?

BAD NEWS FOR OUTLAWS: THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF BASS REEVES traces the life of the longest-serving deputy U.S. marshal in Indian Territory. In over 32 years, the formerly enslaved Reeves arrested more than 3,000 outlaws -- and killed only 14. He earned a reputation for being honest, fearless, a crack shot, and clever.

Is It Any Good?

This lively biography brings Bass Reeves' story to light with vibrant writing, a wealth of resources, and a strong sense of time and place. Reeves had a long, successful career as a renowned lawman, but his story is overshadowed by such contemporaries as Wyatt Earp and Wild Bill Hickok. A glossary explains some "Western" expressions, such as dry-gulch, shooting irons, and tumbleweed wagon. Less patient readers might struggle with the unfamiliar expressions, but most kids will be drawn in by the sense of adventure. Author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson doesn't romanticize the Old West, instead giving a gritty account of the hard realities of the late 19th century.

Strong strokes in the colorful paintings by R. Gregory Christie underscore Reeves’ tough, larger-than-life presence.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about honesty in Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves. Reeves had a reputation for being “honest as the day is long,” but he donned disguises to deceive outlaws and capture them. What do you think of his ruses? Were they fair? Do you still consider him an honest man?

  • Reeves couldn’t read, yet he still succeeded in bringing in thousands of outlaws. Do you think he was smart?

  • Reeves’ family -- a wife and 11 children -- are briefly mentioned, but the author doesn’t discuss his family life much. How do you think they felt about his job and lifestyle?

  • Why do you think Reeves took on such a dangerous, difficult career? What do you think appealed to him?

Book Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love biographies and great African American books

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