Inspirations

Years before I started writing this story I read an article about the Goree Girls, a singing group made up of women prisoners. I wondered what it must be like for a child who had a Goree Girl for her mom. I used to be a passionate letter writer and I thought how fun it would be to write a story made up of letters. Who would Tate, the main character, write? Because the book took place in Louisiana during the 1940’s, I decided Tate would write Hank Williams. Because she never meets him, she’s free to open up her heart and tell him anything. Eventually she tell him the whole truth.

Praise for Dear Hank Williams:
An Amazon Best Book of the Year
A VOYA Perfect Ten
A Wisconsin Reading Association Just One More Page! Master List Selection
A Missouri Mark Twain Award Nominee

“*The strength of this novel lies in the insight Tate develops as she deals with tragedy and depends on the love of family. VERDICT Artfully told, this middle grade novel pleases on many levels.” ―Maria LaRocco, Cuyahoga Public Library, Strongsville, OH, School Library Journal, starred review

“With tidbits of history woven throughout and the rich cast of characters, especially an endearing protagonist, Dear Hank Williams is a novel that sings from the heart.” ―VOYA, starred review

“Soulful and satisfying.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“A heartbreaking revelation at the book's end secures Tate's place as a lovable protagonist, while opening the door to a hopeful future.” ―Booklist

“While readers will find plenty to love and to revisit if encountering this novel on their own, the snappy pace, engaging tone, and epistolary format make this an engaging classroom readaloud, with the skillful exposition and the incorporation of historical details providing discussion fodder and potential curricular connection.” ―The Bulletin

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