Parents' Guide to

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Lively biography of brave Black marshal in the Old West.

Book Vaunda Micheaux Nelson Biography 2009
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all
age 9+

Based on 1 parent review

dbatura
dbatura Parent of 9, 10 and 12-year-old
June 25, 2010
age 9+

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate