I really enjoyed reading this post. I found it a great way to find out more about the books and the author. I don't think I have seen a blog post where the author has done that before.
When I was about elementary school or middle school age I was with my family at the Historic Fort Wayne Old Fort. One of the reenact ears there asked us why we did not get a full pair of pants. They also commented that they thought it might be expensive to pay for half of a pair of pants. It was summer and we were wearing shorts. But the people stayed in character. My parents took me to many living history exhibits and settlement type events. I loved it and it feed my imagination as well as my thirst for knowledge.