Illustrator: R. Gregory ChristieCoretta Scott King Award
If you were a settler on the western frontier in the late-1800s, you might have feared outlaws coming into your territory. There was plenty of open space, and one could ride for miles without pause. However, if Bass Reeves was in town, you would have nothing to fear. This story is one about the true character of a black United States marshal who always caught the outlaws he chased. Bass Reeves may be a man few people have heard of, but he was one of the greatest deputy marshals that ever patrolled the frontier. This Coretta Scott King award-winning book is one to treasure, and every student will be enthralled with visions of the rough-and-tumble life of the early American west.
Not only is this an intriguing piece of non-fiction; the pictures are equally amazing. They look almost child-like, and I assume that is what the illustrator was hoping to achieve. The illustrations lack precise detail, and consequently, the reader must use his imagination to fill in the gaps. Nonetheless, the entire book, including the historical timeline at the back, is a wonderful piece of American literature; one that shines a light on a black American who, during a time of racial inequality, did a fine job of bringing criminals to justice. Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, is certainly a notable figure of American history.
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