This book was so fun and so educational. The author sets out to describe the diversity that existed in America’s history. The art work and historical photos was great. It was easy to read yet was packed with information. I feel like I sat through a history class. I first heard about this through Brenna on the What Should I Read Next podcast/Patreon group. I am so glad she recommended this. I will be handing this off to my children to read and have passed it and the wonderful book list at the end to a teacher friend. Thank you to Netgalley and Myrick Marketing/TOON Graphics for this free copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this historical graphic-novel that focused on Black Heroes of the Wild West with my two sons. Each chapter focused on a different historical character and highlighted their life and advancements in the Wild West. I also enjoyed the historical lessons included at the beginning and end of the graphic novel itself which included information, photos, and maps relevant to the history lesson.

Growing up in Colorado, I knew about Black cowboys, but I wasn't familiar with the three Smith highlights in this graphic history. My favorite was the story he share about Bass Reeves. The added historical information in the end is well presented. I like that he emphasizes not only Black contributions but also mentions other people of color who are often underrepresented in western history. A book kids will pick up for fun as well as for curriculum support.

Review based on an ARC received through NetGalley.

Thank you TOON books and NetGalley for this digital ARC.

I think the best thing I can say is I felt the book was too short. I wanted more about each of those people talked about in this book because the author makes learning their history so entrancing. I liked the infotainment found in this graphic novel and the extra pages of facts at the end were a welcome addition. A fun and great introduction to some, unfortunately, lesser known fascinating historical figures finally getting a larger spotlight.

This was a fast read, but informative nonetheless! It covers a few figures in black history and does it in a way that is engaging for any reader. Would definitely recommend, for kids but also adults who have an open mind!

There is so much history that is taught to us in school, that bypasses the minorities, and the women, and focuses on the White people. You may have heard the term of Buffalo Soldier from the song but you may not know the history of how Black men and women moved to the American West before and after the Civil War to live their lives.

This book covers three Black people that if you have never heard of them, you will wonder why. One, Bass Reeves, the first Black marshal west of the Mississippi, is thought to be the inspiration for the Lone Ranger.

Bob Lemmons, was a famous horse wrangler, and Mary Fields was one of two women, and the only Black woman, to drive the mail coach to deliver mail out in the west.

Done in graphic novel style first, then followed with further background second, this is an amazing book to learn more about the Black people and their existence in the wild west.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

While this book wasn't a favorite of mine, I really value that the author and publisher took on this story. This comic addresses three Black heroes around the time that the Wild West was big. It's so important to see outside of the curated white history that we often see in the United States and to hear Black stories from those time periods in which the often seem to be erased.