Find out who Buffalo Bill really was. Read the story of this famous showman from his troubled childhood as William Cody to becoming a Wild West Superstar. How much of his show was fact and how much was fiction?

Fleming creates an engaging biography of a man steeped in legend and folklore. She combines a unique style of introducing each chapter as a scene from his famous Wild West show and then going on to discuss what was true and not true about his show and his life. The middle grade reader who has an interest in the Wild West or who simply has to choose a biography for a literature project will be drawn into the story of Buffalo Bill by the author’s use of narrative storytelling and primary sources. ( )

PRESENTING BUFFALO BILL by Candace Fleming is an engaging biography exploring the myth and reality behind Buffalo Bill Cody’s life.

Fleming takes a fresh look at this “larger than life” historical figure by taking readers step-by-step through Buffalo Bill’s remarkable adventures. Through the use of primary source documents, the author carefully explains the truth behind the many lies connected with the Wild West legend providing varied perspectives along the way. Sensitive cultural issues are addressed, along with the dark side of his business ventures.

Fleming weaves photographs and other primary source documents throughout the text bringing the time period to life for young readers. Back matter includes a bibliography, source notes, and an index.

Librarians will find this middle-grade biography to be popular among children doing “people reports” as well as those who enjoy reading about famous historical figures. It would also be a good choice for children who aren’t interested in Presidents or other historical figures but need an interesting history topic.

Learn more about the author at http://www.candacefleming.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on June 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher. ( )