Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen [Hardcover]

Michael P. Spradlin (Author), Roxie Munro (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

In the 1820s, the Texas frontier was a rugged, lawless place that needed defending. The men that banded together to protect the citizens of Texas from the threats of bandits and raiding native tribes were known as the Texas Rangers. Since bravery was never in short demand, any unmarried man with a good horse and a sharp shot could be selected to join the ranks. As they roamed the Texas frontier maintaining peace and order, the Rangers were present for many of the most famous moments in Texas’s exciting history—they defended the Alamo alongside Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, spied on the Mexican army during the war for independence, and chased down outlaws in the booming oil towns of the Wild West. 

 

The thrilling history of these legendary lawmen is detailed in this fast-paced and richly illustrated account. Readers will be rootin’ for the Rangers at every turn and learn a thing or two about keepin’ the peace. 

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

MICHAEL P. SPRADLIN is the author of several books for children and teens, including the Spy Goddess series with HarperCollins and the upcoming Daniel Boone’s Great Escape with Walker. He lives with his family in Lapeer, Michigan.

 

ROXIE MUNRO is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared on the cover of the New Yorker.  She has born in Texas and has illustrated several books with a Texas/country theme.  She now lives in New York City. www.roxiemunro.com

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Walker Childrens; 1st edition (February 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802780962
• ISBN-13: 978-0802780966
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 11.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,330,222 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Michael P. Spradlin is the author of more than a dozen books for children, some of which have actually been published. He grew up in a small town in Michigan not far from the Indiana border, which may explain his irrational fear of Hoosiers. (Both the inhabitants of the state of Indiana and the movie starring Gene Hackman).

Surrounded by books in his formative years, he grew up loving to read, imagining himself the hero of numerous epic battles and indulging in his favorite pastime, which was smuggling fireworks across the Ohio border so that he could blow up his collection of Plastic Green Army Men and Matchbox Cars.

Michael is the author The Youngest Templar trilogy, The Spy Goddess series, and several picture books including the award winning Daniel Boone's Great Escape.

When not writing, he enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with his family and worrying over the fact that he really should be writing instead of doing other stuff. He lives in Michigan with his wife Kelly, son Michael, daughter Rachel and two dogs Willow and Apollo

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Famous Texas Rangers, August 4, 2008

By 

Camille "at the BookMoot!" (Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen (Hardcover)

Michael Spradlin and Roxie Munro have paired to present an entertaining and informative story of the famous Texas Rangers and the state that shaped that organization.

Spradlin's story of the Texas Rangers progresses chronologically, from their origins as Texas "Minute Men," through the days of the Republic to the oil boom of the early 20th century through today. I did not know that the Texas state legislature mandates the number of Rangers serving, there are only about 120 at any given time. A single vacancy can attract over 100 applicants.

Much of the history of the Rangers is founded in the personalities who wore the badge. John B. Armstrong, Lone Wolf Gonzaullas, Frank Hamer were responsible for the capture of some of the most notorious outlaws in American history, including John Wesley Hardin and Bonnie and Clyde.

The picture book aspect might discourage junior high librarians from adding this title to their collections. Do not make that mistake. Spradlin's writing is concise but not simplistic.

Roxie Munro's clear, bright illustrations depict the daring-do of the Rangers. Her distinctive style commemorates the landscape and the personalities of the state.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing children's picturebook about the legendary Texas Rangers, April 4, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen (Hardcover)

Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen is an amazing children's picturebook about the legendary Texas Rangers, lawmen who worked to protect fellow citizens from the hazards of frontier life in the 1820s. The Rangers were also present at key moments of Texas history, such as the defense of the Alamo along with heroes such as Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, and their espionage of the Mexican army during the war for independence. The simple illustrations add life and color to this fascinating tribute, which offers a glimpse of what the life of an Old West lawman was really like."Ranger Gonzaullas eventually rose to the rank of captain. He believed in using scientific methods such as fingerprints to capture outlaws, and he started the first modern laboratory for crime detection in Texas. He went on to solve some of the most famous crimes in Texas history." Highly recommended.