Explore the D'Aulaire classics and be duly inspired by larger-than-life people who impacted the shaping of America. In 5 short weeks, Blackbird & Company guides will walk upper elementary and middle school (grades 4-8) writers through the process of composing an original biographical essay. Weeks 1 - 3 activities introduce a  rich vocabulary to describe the character traits exemplified by these historical figures, provide observation questions designed to help students extract details that matter, and equip students with the scaffolding that enables them to craft one body paragraph that will later become part of the culminating essay. During week 4 students craft a simple introduction and conclusion, put the components together, and, viola, an essay! There is a fifth week creative project, of course, that offers directives to tap into the student's imagination.

Learn about the man in the buckskin suit.

By the time he was twelve, he was doing the work of a grown man as a cattle driver, camping under the stars each night. When he was caught in a buffalo stampede his horsemanship saved his life. Then he met wilderness scout Kit Carson who taught him how to read the language of the plains. When daredevil riders were needed to carry the mail on the new Pony Express, Bill was one of the first to sign up. Then the Civil War began and Bill went East to fight for Kansas.