Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith

Black Heroes of the Wild West introduces young readers to three exciting and legendary figures in this graphic novel style history for middle grades.

Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith. TOON Graphics, 2020. 60 pages.

Reading Level: Graphic novels, ages 8-12

Recommended For: Ages 8-12

You’ve heard of Calamity Jane, Wyatt Earp, and Buffalo Bill, but have you heard of Stagecoach Mary, Bass Reeves, and Bob Lemmons? Just as real, and just as large as life, Stagecoach Mary, Bass Reeves, and Bob Lemmons lived dramatic lives full of daring and excitement. These are Black heroes of the Wild West. Stagecoach Mary did indeed drive a stagecoach; she also delivered mail, ran a restaurant, took in washing, and had been born into slavery (she was freed after the Emancipation Proclamation). Bass Reeves was the first Black Deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi, and he was as clever as the outlaws he tracked. Bob Lemmons could round up a herd of wild mustangs better than any other cowboy around; some claim he was the basis for the Lone Ranger.

Graphic novel style panels bring these legendary figures to life for young readers. Back matter includes even more material on the time period, the Native Americans’ interactions with Black Americans, timelines, contemporary photographs and artwork, and a select bibliography for young readers. This is a terrific addition to the Wild West canon for young readers.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 4 out of 5
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4 out of 5

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader

• A Review: Ghetto Cowboy by G. Neri: a contemporary story about an urban Black cowboy (for older readers)
• A Review: The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill by Andrea Warren (includes good information about the slave state/free state dynamics in Kansas and other border states)
• A Resource: Nonfiction Books for Black History Month
• A Reflection: Why Black History Month?

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