This summer, our fifth graders dove into history through the novel Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone. After reading this engaging story about the Jamestown settlement, for our first narrative essay of the school year, students imagined themselves as one of the main characters—such as Samuel Collier or Captain John Smith—and wrote a five-paragraph Character Narrative Essay retelling important events from the novel through that character’s perspective. They used a variety of writing crafts, such as vivid description, dialogue, and inner thoughts, to bring the historical setting and challenges of early Jamestown to life. Throughout the editing and revision process, students strengthened their word choice, organization, and voice. The final essays showcase not only their understanding of Blood on the River but also their creativity and growth as thoughtful, expressive writers.