An Independent Spirit

The Tale of Betsy Dowdy and Black Bess

by Donna Campbell Smith

ISBN - 9780977988907

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Chapter Book - Recommended reader age - 10-12 to adult

In her historical fiction book, An Independent Spirit: The Tale of Betsy Dowdy and Black Bess, author Donna Campbell Smith recreates fourteen-year-old Betsy Dowdy 's all-night ride for freedom during the American Revolutionary War and reminds young readers that one person's self-determination can change the course of history.

Betsy and her parents live on Currituck Banks, an isolated community on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Betsy's mother is intent on sending her to the city of Edenton to learn proper etiquette and find a good husband, but Betsy has other ideas. She would much rather be riding her wild pony, Black Bess, and enjoying the independence she feels when she and Bess are galloping down the beach. At her family's annual oyster roast, Betsy hears folks talking about conflict in Boston between Britain's King George and the colonists. Betsy isn't worried, though, because Boston is far away from the Outer Banks. Soon after, Betsy's mother sends her to Edenton, to live with her Aunt Frances and learn how to "behave like a lady." There, she is introduced to foxhunts, hoop skirts, Christmas balls, and promising young men. Meanwhile, the war is moving closer to home than Betsy could have ever imagined. When Betsy returns from Edenton, word comes that Virginia's governor, Loyalist Lord Dunmore and his British soldiers are moving towards Currituck Banks, burning houses and killing livestock. Suddenly, Betsy's family, her home, and her beloved Black Bess are in grave danger. Betsy decides she must do something. In a daring all-night ride, she and Black Bess race over fifty miles to warn Patriot General Skinner of the coming attack.

 

About the Author:

Donna Campbell Smith has an AAS Degree in Equine Technology and Instructor Certificate from Martin Community College. She grew up near the Outer Banks of North Carolina, an area rich in history, natural beauty and home to several bands of wild horses. Donna has combined her knowledge of the horse and child relationship with her interest in the history of coastal North Carolina to write exciting historical fiction novels.

In addition to Independent Spirit and Pale As The Moon Donna Campbell Smith is also the author of The Book of Miniature Horses (The Lyons Press 2005) Her articles and stories appear in several magazines and equine publications.

Donna is available for school author visits and a writer-in-resident program that uses historical fiction to teach the writing process. Programs include writing workshops for all grades, Native Americans of the Carolina Coast, Colonial Carolina and Wild Horses of the Outer Banks. Contact Donna at: Her Website

 

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$11.95

 

Please Note: Faithful Publishing is an imprint of Making Home and your receipt will come from Making Home.

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