$16.99 Hardcover
$11.99 Paperback TOON GRAPHIC
INTEREST LEVEL: Age 8+ READING LEVEL: Grades 3+ AUTHOR: JAMES OTIS SMITH INTRODUCTION: KADIR NELSON LANGUAGES: English PAGES: 60 DIMENSIONS: 7.75" x 10" RELEASE DATE: September 15, 2020 Simultaneous release: HARDCOVER ISBN: 9781943145515 | $16.95 PAPERBACK: ISBN: 9781943145522 | $9.99 |
About the Book
Exploring American history and finding diversity at its roots! This graphic novel by JAMES OTIS SMITH celebrates the extraordinary true tales of three black heroes who took control of their destinies and stood up for their communities in the Old West. Born into slavery in Tennessee, Mary Fields became famous as “Stagecoach Mary,” a cigar-chomping, cardplaying coach driver who never missed a delivery. Bass Reeves, the first black Deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi, was one of the wiliest lawmen in the territories, bringing thousands of outlaws to justice with his smarts. Bob Lemmons lived to be 99 years old and was so good with horses that the wild mustangs on the plains of Texas took him for one of their own.
From the introduction by KADIR NELSON, winner of the 2020 Caldecott Award: “Black Heroes of the Wild West is a brilliant and entertaining offering. Through sharp and evocative storytelling in the exciting medium of comics, lesser-known African American historical figures will be introduced to new generations of readers.” |
Book Buzz
"[Smith] manages to capture the humanity of each subject, while giving the entire book the 'hero' vibe promised in the title."
--Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast by Julie Danielson "Smith is an exceptional storyteller and you’ll be pulled into the stories immediately." --Imagination Soup Read the Smash Pages Q&A with James Otis Smith!
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2021 ALA Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List
2021 Great Graphic Novels for Teens, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) A 2020 VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Award Honor Book A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection “The racial and cultural diversity of the Old West gets the comic-book treatment in Smith’s exploration of the lives and adventures of three Black historical figures…It’s about time." — Kirkus Reviews "Really brings the sizzle” — School Library Journal “Witty punch lines and comic strip-style illustrations…with an emphasis on biographical details and the landscape.” — Publishers Weekly "The inclusion of photographs as endpapers and chapter openings reinforces that these are real people behind these almost unbelievable tales. They provide valuable evidence that grounds the extraordinary events, as well as showing how many more stories were out there." — Good Comics for Kids, School Library Journal |
Praise from online reviews:
"A book kids will pick up for fun as well as for curriculum support."
--Libby B. Librarian "Everything a history book should be: fascinating, adventurous, informative." —Jackie F, Librarian "Interesting and fun for kids. Learned a lot!" —Kit C. |
“I wish I had learned about these people earlier in my life.”
—Paul D. "Engaging and sure to be loved by students." —Jackie "High-interest middle grade nonfiction that turns history on its head!" —Kim Tyo-Dickerson "So fun and so educational" —Stacie H. Reviewer |
“The author makes learning...
history so entrancing.” —Chris C. "Cowboy and Wild West lovers will devour this incredible book!" —Iris "Fascinating characters and compelling stories of people we rarely learn about in school." —Summer |
Watch the book trailer featuring author James Otis Smith and TOON's Françoise Mouly
Watch the interview with author James Otis Smith and librarian Betsy Bird
About the Author
Introduction by Kadir Nelson
TOON Graphic Features
The world of TOON Graphics and of comic book art is rich and varied. Making meaning out of reading with the aid of visuals may be the best way to become a lifelong reader, one who knows how to read for pleasure and for information—a reader who loves to read.
Black Heroes of the Wild West includes extensive historical endnotes for readers to learn more about:
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Teacher Guide
Prepared by Richard Kutner, the head of the TOON Educational Team, our Teacher Guide outlines the ELA Common Core Standards to support standards-based instruction in the classroom using this TOON Graphic.
The objectives for students in grades 3-5 include:
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