Thank you, Gary Paulsen, for bringing Bass Reeves to my attention. Reeves was an African American, born a slave, who in Paulsen’s eyes (and now mine) was a true American hero. After an argument and fight with his owner, Bass left his home in Arkansas and travelled to Oklahoma territory, home and hideout to all sorts of cowboy criminals. Reeves became one of the most successful lawmen in American history, sent into the lawless territory time after time, ultimately bringing hundreds of men to justice.