An Independent Spirit: The Tale of Betsy Dowdy and Black Bess

by Donna Campbell Smith

In 1774, a fourteen-year-old Quakeress makes a daring all-night ride to warn General Skinner that Lord Dunmore, the governor of Virginia, is headed toward the Outer Banks--threatening her home and beloved ponies.

Genres: Historical Fiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Having a background in horse management Donna Campbell Smith is the author of four non-fiction books about horses: The Book of Donkeys, The Book of Miniature Horses, The Book of Draft Horses, and The Book of Mules.

Donna has also written and published two cozy mysteries: In the Garden with the Pruning Shears and In the Library with the Dictionary.

She has an AAS degree in equine technology from Martin Community College where she also took extended classes in art and composition. She worked in the horse industry as a trainer, instructor and breeder for almost thirty years before retiring to write. Her books Pale as the Moon, An Independent Spirit and Bear Song have not only been popular entertaining reading for young people, but her books are used in many schools as supplemental reading for students learning about our colonial history. Her books include a teacher’s guide. Puddin Tain is geared especially to horse crazy kids in first through third grades.

Reviews

[Sarah Toton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful look into life in the outer banks during the revolution. I read it because it was a horse story based in my state, but got much more than I bargained for! What a legend!

[Marie Carmean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A truly lovely youth book...well written and researched, this historical novel (because there is little known about Betsy Dowdy's personal life) is a delightful dip into the tense days of the early Revolution period. The book tells about Betsy's harrowing overnight ride from Currituck Banks to warn General Skinner in Hertford, North Carolina of Lord Dunmore's savage attack on Norfolk, Virginia and his vow to move down into North Carolina. Her independent spirit is an inspiration to all who read this book. Recommended reading to young and "old" alike.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book. Norrmally I don't read historical fiction, but I got it as a gift from the Outer Banks. I <3 it! I love Betsy's free spirt and how she loves being different. It really makes me wonder if this legend is actually true!