Deputy U.S Marshal, Bass Reeves

July 08, 2010

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.

Real heroes are for kids! Treat yourself and your children to these books about Bass Reeves—they’re all in our library system:

Bad News for Outlaws, the remarkable life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal, by Vaunda Nelson. (This is a picture book for children, winner of the Coretta Scott King Author Award, 2010)

The legend of Bass Reeves: being the true and fictional account of the most valiant Marshal in the West, by Gary Paulsen (for children and adults)

Black Gun, Silver Star: the life and legend of frontier marshal Bass Reeves, by Arthur T. Burton. (adult nonfiction)

Geri H.