The Legend of Bass Reeves Book

The Legend of Bass Reeves by author Gary Paulsen is a Western written for young readers. It focuses on the true story of a little-known marshal who patrolled the old Indian Territory, now known as Oklahoma.

Bass Reeves was born a slave in the 1830's American South. He grew up tending to chores and animals while his 'mammy' cooked and cleaned. One day while out searching for cattle he came across a strange dog that seemed to speak to him, telling him that "someday things will change". The 'witch-dog's' prophecy turned out to come true eventually and Bass ran away from home when an opportunity presented itself. He embarks on a series of adventures while avoiding the price on his head for being a runaway slave. While wandering he learns the Indian Territory like the back of his hand and gains the attention of a federal judge who's determined to track down felons hiding in the Indian Territory to avoid the law. Bass becomes a federal marshal and makes some 3,000 arrests during his remarkable career.

The book is well-written and fairly historically accurate, although the author does admittedly embellish the story and fictionalize some missing gaps. I enjoyed the book more than I anticipated, but I want to add even though it's considered a young readers book it has some brutal violence and language that makes it unsuitable for elementary aged kids. This book should greatly appeal to Western enthusiasts and history lovers alike.