Children’s Books
Sarah Campbell - Tale of A Civil War Orphan
Winner of 2016 DeBlack Award for Arkansas’ best Children’s History book and Winner of Amazon' Reader’s Favorite Award
Sarah Campbell is a tale based on true historical incidents in Civil War Arkansas. When bushwhackers slay Sarah’s parents she is taken to the Union garrison at Fort Smith. There her troubles are far from over as she deals with a bully named Kate, an invading army, kidnappers, and treacherous enemy spies. Sarah also learns that an enemy can become a friend worthy of great sacrifice.
Attention Teachers!
There is a guide and study questions included at the back of the book.
A Boy Named David
When the Union Army invades his town, David Hadley, an orphan boy who lives with his grandpa, learns the hard lessons of war and survival. After plowing, planting, and raising a crop, all by himself, he must then protect it from the Yankees. But how will he react when his best friend is in danger? Will he be brave enough to save him? Set in Arkansas, this novel is based on actual historic events.
William’s Story
William’s Story is based on true historical events in Civil War Arkansas. In this tale, William tells his friend Sarah Campbell the story of his past. Share the tragedy as his family is torn apart and the adventure as he races to aid General Curtis at the Battle of Pea Ridge. How will he escape the bushwhackers trying to kill him?
Why Children’s Books?
It all began when the Arkansas Newspaper Association asked if I would do a newspaper serial for their Newspapers in Education program. Of course I was delighted, but also very challenged when I learned they wanted me to take my 100,000 word novel written for adults and condense it into 6 segments of 1,000 words each and make it for 5th grade reading level...piece of cake, right? UGH! NOT! Although it was a challenge, it made me a better writer. I ended up doing three series for them. Without this, I seriously doubt I would have written any children's books. I'm so glad I did!