Black Heroes of the Wild West finally celebrated!

James Otis Smith’s remarkable début, Black Heroes of the Wild West, is a graphic novel that explores American history and discovers diversity at its roots. Celebrating the extraordinary true tales of three black heroes who took control of their destinies and became pillars of their communities, it is an informative tale of adventure offering a new perspective on the legacy of the Old West. The book features an introduction by 2020 Caldecott Medal Winner Kadir Nelson, who raves about “the striking illustrations and charming storytelling buoyed by masterful graphic design.” Nelson adds: “Smith’s humor and wit shines throughout.”

James Otis Smith was motivated by a desire to tell stories coming out of the Reconstruction Era, a pivotal moment in the nation’s history: “Following the Civil War, America was trying to figure out what kind of country it wanted to be, and for the first time, black people had that same opportunity. They had no recorded histories, no roots, no birthdays, not even last names. Reconstruction was the first time blacks in America could decide their own fate, and as painful and difficult as that obviously was, I wanted to emphasize how much that drive for self-determination is so deeply American.” Perfect for independent readers aged 8-12, Smith’s drawings and text illuminate the lives of three individuals who ought to be better known to history.

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 U.S. 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 stallions on the plains of Texas took him for one of their own. Black Heroes of the Wild West also includes backmatter with historical endnotes, photographs, a timeline and resources for the many readers who’ll be eager to further explore the history and American spirit that is our shared legacy.

JAMES OTIS SMITH is a writer and artist living in Brooklyn. He has collaborated on several graphic novels, including Showtime at the Apollo. Black Heroes of the Wild West is his first book as author and illustrator. He says: "I was interested in finding stories of ordinary people.These three stories are not the typical tales of violence in the Old West, but those of everyday African Americans born into slavery who had the courage and strength to choose to be whoever they wanted to be."

KADIR NELSON (Introduction) is the author or the illustrator of more than thirty children's books including The Undefeated, written by Kwame Alexander, which received the Caldecott Medal, the Coretta Scott King Award, and a Newbery Honor.