March 22, 1908: Birth Anniversary of Louis L'Amour

In honor of Louis L'Amour, play a western movie soundtrack as students enter the room and while they do one of the activities listed below.

Have students read and respond to an excerpt from one of Louis L'Amour's books: http://www.amazon.com/Last-Breed-Novel-Louis-LAmour/dp/0553280422#reader_B000FCK2VK (the preface of Last of the Breed). Have them discuss his writing style and how it is similar to or different from their favorite authors today and/or have them respond to the following short answer question: How would you describe Colonel Zamatev? Explain your answer and support it with evidence from the selection.

Select some quotes from Louis L'Amour and have students respond in writing and/or discuss. http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/858.Louis_L_Amour 
~~One example: “The trail is the thing, not the end of the trail. Travel too fast, and you miss all you are traveling for.” - Louis L'Amour
~~Do you think one can be so focused on things that will happen in the future that they miss out on what's happening in the present? Think carefully about this question.
~~Write an essay explaining how someone can miss out on great things in life.

Read about Louis L'Amour: http://www.louislamourcollection.com/author.php and compare him to Gary Paulsen: http://www.randomhousekids.com/brand/gary-paulsen/about-gary-paulsen/