Jesse James

April 1, 2016

Gr 5-8-These exciting, well-written examinations of some bad guys (and one woman) offer compelling reading. Clipped sentences sustain a breathless atmosphere. A bounty of excellent black-and-white and color visuals, including period photos, drawings, and documents, evoke the flavor of the Old West (in Ned Kelly's case, Old Aussie), as do hokey design elements-"fingerprints" and "bullet holes" that seem "shot through" the pages. Topping off the old-timey feel is the parchment look of the paper and generous use of "Old West-typewriter" fonts. A "Rogues' Gallery" in each title contains pictures and descriptions of other criminals of the era; occasional "Focus" spreads provide additional historical context about the legacy of each outlaw. The author's tone is non-judgmental: Making no excuses for these thieves and murderers, he nonetheless provides a balanced view of them, regarding them in the context of their times and suggesting that, sometimes, they were motivated by extenuating circumstances. VERDICT An impressive series that able and reluctant readers will appreciate; use in lessons on criminal justice and the "Wild West."

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