Black Heroes of the Wild West, written and illustrated by James Otis Smith

 


Description from the publisher:

"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, card playing 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."

Text Features: 

  • Graphic narrative nonfiction text
  • Includes extensive expository back matter to help readers learn more about important events in the colonization of the western United States.
Critical Literacy Suggestions:

Read & Discuss: 

  • Before reading, discuss what children know about the history of the "Wild West" (the period of rapid colonization spanning roughly the 1860-1890s) 
  • Some questions it might be helpful to pose before, during and after reading:
    • Who lived in what would become the western states of the United States before the United States government promoted further colonization? (Native Americans, Spanish and Mexican colonization)
    • What was life like during the 1800s in what would become the western United States? How was it different to other parts of the United States at the time? (rapid population growth due to the Gold Rush, new opportunities for African Americans during Reconstruction)
    • How did life change for Native Americans during the 1800s? (dispossession, death/genocide)
  • What role did race play in the challenges and opportunities afforded different individuals during westward colonization? How was this the same or different to the role that race played in other parts of the United States during this time period?
  • In what ways are the three individuals featured in the book 'heroes'?
  • The stories of Black people during western US colonization are often not told. Why do you think this is? Why is it important to learn these stories? 
Write & Act: 
  • After reading the book and its back matter, write three big questions you have about the people and history presented in the book. For example, "What role did the Buffalo Soldiers play in colonization?" or "How did barbed wire change the history of the Wild West?"
  • Choose one question to research and then choose a way to share your learning–written, oral, or multimodal presentation.
  • See if your school or local library has any books that teach about the role of African American colonists. If they don't, speak with a librarian or write a letter to encourage them to include texts that teach about this history.

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