Review: Bad News for Outlaws - Vaunda Micheaux Nelson

Bad News for Outlaws

by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Ages 6-10

32 pages

Carolrhoda Books, November 2009



Okay, I admit it.  My father hooked me on westerns when I was a little kid.  One of my very favorite movies of all time is Silverado.  The sense of adventure, the open prairie, the black and white morality all appealed to my childhood brain -- and now, of course, it's too late.  It's embedded in my psyche.

But even if you don't care much for westerns, or if you have (heresy!) never seen Silverado, Bad News for Outlaws is a smashing success.  It begins with a strong hook.  I defy any child to resist the power of Bass Reeves capturing the criminal Jim Webb:

Webb couldn't outrun a horse.  And he knew he'd hang for sure this time.  In a last-ditch effort to escape, Webb stopped in his tracks, turned, and let loose with his rifle.

The rest of Reeves' story is told chronologically, with one-page episodes of each part of his life, from the slavery of his youth to becoming a Deputy U.S. Marshal.  The focus is on his time capturing criminals.  The text is scattered with fascinating facts, anecdotes and quotes about Reeves.

One of the distinguishing features of this biography is the quality of Bass' character.  He was an exemplary shot, but killed very few men in his lifetime.  A touching segment tells how Reeves was required to arrest his own son, who'd killed his cheating wife.

The back matter is rich with additional detail, including a glossary of "Western Words," a timeline of Reeves' life, books and web sites for further reading, more about Indian Territory and Judge Isaac Parker, who hired Reeves, a selected bibliography and an author's note.

The illustrations by R. Gregory Christie are colorful and rich paintings, with a thick line and impressionistic style.  You can read an interview with him at 7 Impossible Things Before Breakfast here.

When judging biographies for sharing with my classes, I always go back to Judy Freeman's 10 biographical "ingredients" in her recipe for Biography Hash.  Not all biographies need to have all ten, but it sure helps -- and this one does.  I can predict some serious hash-making next week!

Winner of the 2010 Coretta Scott King Award.

Ratings

• Awesomeness: 8 - superb example of biography and a smashing story to boot.
  
• Wordsmithing: 8 - compelling descriptions and evocative quotes.
  
• Personages: 7 - Bass is a fabulous character and a great role model.
  
• Mesmerizitude: 7 - a quick read.
  
• Illustrations: 7 - though not my style, the paintings are very eye-catching.
  
• Factfulness: 9 - truly excellent scholarship and inclusion of notes about the research process.
  

Reviews & Other Stuff

• at the publisher web site
• at Happy Nappy Bookseller
• at INK
• at The Reading Tub
• Listen to the author reading from the beginning of the book at Teachingbooks.net.

Review: The Boy on Fairfield Street - Kathleen Krull

The Boy on Fairfield Street

by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

Ages 6-10

43 pages

Random House, 2004



Every year we celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday during March (is Reading Month).  I do a week of activities with my students and read them all the Dr. Seuss books they've never heard of.  This is my favorite book to read to the older kids, fourth or fifth grades, who think they know everything about Dr. Seuss.

Krull presents a chronological story of the early life of Theodore Seuss Geisel, focusing on his experiences as a boy in Springfield, Massachusetts.  It includes the happy details, such as Ted's mother reciting lists of nonsense words to help him go to sleep (names of pies!), and not so happy details, such as Ted being bullied by anti-German neighbors.  At the end there are four pages of further information about Geisel's later years, a comprehensive list of books written by Seuss and some suggestions for further reading.

This biography appeals to children of all ages, but I especially like to share it with older children who have had the experience of being punished for dreaming too much.  Ted is presented as a creative but unfocused genius, full of ideas but not a lot of drive.  I think many creative children (myself included) can relate to this state of being.

It is beautifully illustrated with a painting on each two-page spread.  At the bottom of each spread is a character from one of Seuss' books.  I took these icons and made a trivia/word puzzle out of them, appropriate for 3rd grade and up.  (Post a comment with your email address if you'd like a copy.)

Ratings

• Awesomeness: 7 - full of great information about Seuss, and gorgeous to boot.
  
• Wordsmithing: 6 - well written, and only a bit too long for reading aloud in one session.
• Mesmerizitude: 6 - I especially liked all the stuff at the end (back matter?).
  
• Illustrations: 7 - perfectly captured the capricious, creative nature of Geisel as a boy.
  
• Factfulness: 7 - very well done!
  

Other Reviews

• on SMS Book Reviews

Nonfiction Monday: Eleanor Quiet No More - Doreen Rappaport

Eleanor Quiet No More by Doreen Rappaport, illustrated by Gary Kelley Ages 4-8 48 pages Hyperion Books, February 2009

Eleanor was a serious child.  Her parents died when she was ten.  Even though she had money, she was poor in love and affection.  She was taught to be quiet and not speak up for herself or others.  But Eleanor's compassion was awakened as she matured, and she found many opportunities to help others all over the world, by herself, as First Lady and, later, for the United Nations.  


This picture book biography is in the same style as Rappaport's Martin's Big Words, which is a staple for reading at any time of the year in my school.  It combines description with quotes from King and others in his life.  The format works equally well to tell Roosevelt's story.  I found myself tearing up at her selfless and inclusive actions.  


It includes that most useful of all biographical tools, a timeline, in the back, as well as several suggestions for more reading.  I would have loved a list of references for each quote, but I doubt it would be important to the intended audience.

I've always been fond of Eleanor Roosevelt.  She seemed to me a sensible, funny individual.  Now I'm inspired to learn more -- which, I think, is the ultimate goal of any nonfiction book.  Another fine achievement by Doreen Rappaport.

A Recommended book listed by the Orbus Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children.

Ratings

• Awesomeness: 7 - memorable and significant contribution to the picture book biography genre
  
• Wordsmithing: 8 - a lovely selection of quotes in particular
• Mesmerizitude: 6 - enjoyable read
  
• Illustrations: 7 - muted colors emphasize the challenges of the time and Roosevelt's plain appearance
  
• Factfulness: 6 - concentrates on Roosevelt's character rather than facts about her, but highlights some interesting moments
  

Other Reviews - one lone review at readerbuzz -- write a comment if you know of another!