The Leaving

by Bettye Stroud

In the days following the end of slavery, a little girl helps her family escape from a cruel plantation owner.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

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.