William Durbin is an American author known for his historical fiction primarily targeted toward young adults. Born on October 3, 1951, he has written books that often focus on significant events in American history, as well as stories set in international locales. Some of his notable works include "The Broken Blade," which tells the story of a young French-Canadian boy on a fur trading expedition during the 1800s, and "The Journal of Sean Sullivan," which is part of the "Dear America" series and is about building the transcontinental railroad. Durbin's novels frequently combine adventure with detailed research, providing educational content within engaging narratives.