The Legend of Bass Reeves

By Gary Paulsen

Rating: 3 3/4 stars

Reviewed by Noelle

This book is described as "being the true and fictional account of the most valiant marshal in the west." And how true that is! Bass Reeves was an African-American slave in the mid-1800's out in the Wild West. After a fight with his master, Bass runs away as a fugitive into the notorious Indian Territory. The Indian Territory was 20,000 square miles of bad country, filled with every lawless white man hiding out from justice. Bass is adopted by a Creek Indian family after saving their daughter from a wolf attack. When the slaves are freed after the Civil War, Bass marries, raises a family and becomes a successful rancher. Then he is approached to become a federal marshal when he is already in his 50's. He becomes notorious for bringing out thousands of wanted men from the Indian Territory, and despite being shot at countless times, he was never wounded. He never shot first, and fulfilled his duty with courage and honor. Paulsen fills this tale with excitement and adventure about a real person who actually upheld the mythical code of the Wild West. Readers will be fascinated by this slice of true legend.