Rifles for Watie

Harold Verne Keith (1903–1998) was an American author best known for his historical novels set in Oklahoma, most notably Rifles for Watie, which won the 1958 Newbery Medal and the 1964 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. Born in Lambert, Oklahoma Territory, he earned degrees from the University of Oklahoma, served as its first sports publicist for nearly 40 years, and authored 16 books including sports histories like Oklahoma Kickoff and children's literature such as Komantcia and Susy's Scoundrel, the latter earning a 1974 Spur Award. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and remained active in writing until his death in Norman, Oklahoma.