The seven books in the Trailblazers of America series are great as family read-aloud books as well as for individual reading for those in fifth grade and above. The books are about Daniel Boone, Johnny Appleseed, Lewis and Clark, Davy Crockett, John C. Frémont, John Sutter, and Bass Reeves. They can be purchased individually as paperback books (34 pages each) or as a compilation in one hardcover book titled Heroes of the Frontier, with more than 200 pages.
Extra features in each book differ, but among them are maps, timelines, field guide pages, political cartoons, puzzles, hands-on activities, and writing assignments. All seven books conclude with a glossary and a bibliography. Free lesson plans are available for each book as I describe below.
The Trailblazers of America books are beautifully illustrated, both inside and on their covers, but they are not picture books for young children. They tell of massacres and death along with triumphs and successes. The stories are intended to inspire and provide role models of courage, perseverance, and leadership. The content is interesting and informative, even for adults. While the authors acknowledge that native Americans and others were treated unjustly, the overall tone is supportive of America’s westward expansion and growth.
These books are probably best used as read-alouds with children in fourth grade and above and for independent reading for those able to read at about eighth-grade level or above. (I checked the reading level for several passages with the Flesch Kincaid Calculator and found that it ranged from sixth- to ninth-grade level within one book.)
The content is biographical, presented in a sequence of stories based on key events. Readers learn significant bits of history, sometimes tangentially related to the story’s hero. For instance, in Davy Crockett, we learn about the Creek War and how it related to the larger War of 1812, about Indian Removal and the Trail of Tears, and about Texas’s battle for independence from Mexico. Books include related sidebar topics. Examples of these in Davy Crockett are illustrated field guide pages about “Southeast & Texas Weaponry & Technology” and “Southeast & Texas Animals” and a page answering the question, “Did Davy Crockett wear a raccoon cap?”
The puzzles, writing assignments, and activities all relate to topics covered in the book. For instance, the last page before the glossary in Davy Crockett is titled “Writing Task.” The book has previously explained that Crockett wrote his own autobiography to correct crazy tall tales circulating about him. This assignment asks students to “Share one story below [on lines provided] that you would include in your autobiography.”
Lesson Plans
Lesson plans for the Trailblazers of America series provide parents and teachers with detailed outlines designed to reinforce information about history and geography and to emphasize positive character traits represented by the hero of each book.
The plans have lesson material for both pre-reading and post-reading. They prepare students with background and vocabulary words with definitions before reading each book, and they provide teachers with key points to emphasize. Students are expected to read the book independently, after which a parent or teacher will lead a longer discussion. Discussion questions are provided, some factual and some based on students' opinions. Students will complete a two-page handout (linked in the lesson plan). The first page, a "5W" graphic organizer, has students write about the book's character under the headings Who, What, Where, When, and Why. The second page, a "Pioneer Legacy Profile," has students write about the character under the headings, "Values & Traits," "Impact on History," and "Lessons for Today."
The last part of each lesson plan is a lengthy Enrichment Activity Options section that includes research, projects, hands-on activities, further discussion, and writing. Some of these are led by the teacher, and students work on some independently.
The pre-reading and post-reading sections of the lesson plans can be completed in two class sessions, with students reading the book between them. The Enrichment Activity Options might require a single class session, while others might take up to a few weeks.
While the lesson plans are written for class groups, most activities are usable for individual students.
Summary
The inspiring stories in the Trailblazers of America series serve as excellent supplements for homeschoolers as they study United States history.
