Down Home at Miss Dessa's

by Bettye Stroud, Felicia Marshall (Illustrator)

Two young girls take care of their elderly neighbor, Miss Dessa, by fixing her eyeglasses with blue yarn, helping her sew a quilt, taking her biscuits and jam, and tucking her into bed at night, in a beautiful depiction of life of the South fifty years ago. Tour.

Library Binding

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Bettye Stroud, a former school library media specialist and author of several children’s books, is on a “mission” to introduce kids to the joys and benefits of reading at an early age. Reading out loud to children is the single most important thing an adult can do to prepare a child for future academic success and life. “Reading is a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives, and embracing it at an early age develops their love of books in addition to expanding their knowledge and vocabulary”, says Ms. Stroud.

Ms. Stroud’s entire career was spent working with elementary school children. Because she’s read thousands of books over the years, she knew what kind of stories she wanted to tell. After retiring, she joined a writer's group. Years of involvement with the best writers and best literature in the children’s field gave her the background she needed for her new venture. Ms. Stroud loves the personal interaction with children, so she spends a great deal of time visiting schools and libraries and inspiring children to read, grow, and dream.

Reviews

[Caitlin Barclay]

This book tells about the African American culture in the south and how important elderly people are. The book illustrates the wisdom and kindness that older generations have to give while the younger generations can also help the older. This book is about helping, community and African American culture. I would share this book with my class for all of those reasons.