2010 Coretta Scott King Award- Author

Nelson, Vaunda. (2009). Bad news for outlaws. 2009-11.

This biography outlines the life of the first African American Deputy US Marshal. Bass was a slave who was recruited to be a Marshal in the land now known as Oklahoma. For three decades, Bass was the most feared lawman in the territories. He made more than 3,000 arrests, and he only killed fourteen men in the line of duty.

Towards the end of this biography about the most successful Deputy U.S. Marshal in history (who happened to be a black man originally born into slavery), the author notes that "Over the years, the name of Bass Reeves faded, like one of those heroes they call unsung." Before I read his story I had never heard of this Western hero. I also was not a big fan of the “Wild West”, but after reading this story, I have a whole new respect for lawmen. It's an interesting tale about a brave man and I think it’s great that Nelson took the time to research him. What a great book to use as a teaching tool with kids.