Some people score book deals through agents. Some get them by submitting work directly to a publisher. Nikkolas Smith, a concept artist and imagineer, landed his first children’s book contract by posting a painting online. His rendering of Olympian Simone Biles right after she won gold went viral and inspired him to create a painting of the […]
As a child, Jeffery B. Weatherford had “large hands.” It was a fact that prompted a prediction from his grandmother: someday Jeffery would do something great with those hands. She was right. Jeffery Weatherford grew up to become a multi-talented fine artist and illustrator, who studied computer graphics and animation at Winston-Salem State University, on a full-ride scholarship. Fresh out of college, […]
Cheryl Hudson, co-founder of Just Us Books, posted a list of top Children’s African American books. This is a great list! http://aalbc.com/books/children.php
Award-winning author and illustrator, John Steptoe is spotlighted in Day 27 28 Days Later Campaign. Read about this talented author/illustrator here: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2015/02/27/day-27-john-steptoe/
Day 22 features author/illustrator Jerry Craft, author of the book, The Offenders, and illustrator of the book, The Zero Degree Zombie Zone. Read about this versatile author/illustrator here: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2015/02/23/day-23-jerry-craft/
Award winning mixed media sculptor, painter, writer, and more is Day 15 featured author. Read about this multi-talented artist/author/illustrator here: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2015/02/15/day-15-faith-ringgold/
Jan Spivey Gilchrist is an award winning author, illustrator, fine artist and lecturer. She is featured in Day 9 28 Days Later Campaign from The Brown Bookshelf. Read about this multi-talented artist here: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2015/02/09/day-9-jan-spivey-gilchrist/
R. Gregory Christie is a multi-award author and illustrator. It is very fitting that the Brown Bookshelf features him in this campaign. Read about this award-winning author and illustrator here: http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2015/02/04/day-4-r-gregory-christie/
On this day in 1939, Jerry Pinkney, a future award winner children’s book author/illusrator was born. Read about this multifaceted and award winning author/illustrator here:
More information about Jerry Pinkney:
Exhibition: http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/787.html
The Pinkney family: http://www.findingdulcinea.com/features/multi-day/net-profiles/6-pinckney-family.html
New York Times Book Review: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/books/review/Sutton-t.html?_r=0
Reading Rockets: http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/pinkneyj/featuredbooks
Interview: http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Journals/LA/0916-jul2014/LA0916Conversation.pdf
During Black History Month, I like to learn about relatively unknown African Americans, some who may be called “unsung heroes.” One such person was Bass Reeves, an African American Deputy U.S. Marshall. Thanks to award winning author, Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, and award winning illustrator, R. Gregory Christie, together they created the book, Bad News for Outlaws The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshall. This title is available in hardcover library binding, Kindle, audible, and paperback.m
Bass Reeves was born into slavery in 1838. Although he had a tough life, he had a strong sense of right and wrong that many people admired. The Indian Territory was a haven for many outlaws. When Judge Isaac Parker tried to bring order to this territory, he chose Bass to be a deputy U.S. marshal. Bass proved to be the best man for the job.
Bass worked more than thirty years capturing more than 3000 outlaws. His techniques were cunning, respectful, and peaceful. Violence was Bass’ last resort. As a result of Bass’ techniques, he killed only 14 men in the line of duty. To read how he accomplish this, you must read the book.
Nelson’s thorough research of Bass Reeves’ and her storytelling skills is evident at the beginning of the story. Readers will immediately be drawn into the story when they read the first sentence: “Jim Webb’s luck was running muddy when Bass Reeves rode into town.” Christie’s illustration on the next page captures the fear on Jim Webb’s face, and the quiet, solemn demeanor of Bass Reeves chasing him. Young readers will recognize the themes of justice and fairness, and love the large images of Big Bad Bass Reeves and also the fine attention to details. Once you read this story, you will love it too and include it in your collection.
Additional resources, both print and electronic, on Bass Reeves are listed below.
Burton, Art T., Black Gun, Silver Star: The Life and Legend of Frontier Marshal Bass Reeves
Paulsen, Gary., The Legend of Bass Reeves
NPR: Bad News for Outlaws http://www.npr.org/books/titles/195248918/bad-news-for-outlaws-the-remarkable-life-of-bass-reeves-deputy-u-s-marshal
Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/10131675/Was-the-real-Lone-Ranger-black.html
National Park Service: http://www.nps.gov/fosm/historyculture/bass_reeves.htm
Times New Record: http://swtimes.com/sections/news/special-reports/bass-reeves-former-slave-lived-unusual-life.html
The Life and Times of Deputy U.S. Marshall Bass Reeves: http://mentalfloss.com/article/33537/life-and-times-deputy-us-marshal-bass-reeves
Activities:
https://childrenslit-socialstudies.wikispaces.com/Bad+News+for+Outlaws+Reinforcing+Activity
http://www.islma.org/2012BluestemResources/BadNewsOutlaws.pdf
The CamaraIfe Maktaba 