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Now faith is
the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1
An Independent Spirit
The Tale of Betsy Dowdy and Black
Bess
by Donna Campbell Smith
ISBN - 0-9779889-0-2
Second Edition
Now Available
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 Pale
as the Moon (Faithful Publishing 2006)
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
Click
here for downloadable information sheet -pdf file
Review for An Independent Spirit:
An Independent Spirit: The Tale
of Betsy Dowdy and Black Bess
“. . .Smith forms a dymnamic character with
which to convey courage, discipline and teen angst.
Character-building is one of several
educational opportunities for readers. They also
are introduced to Revolutionary War history. Top
all this with a readable style and a dash of romance,
and Smith has created a teen novel of yesteryear
that relates well to today’s youth.”
Mary Ellen Riddle, “Outer Banks Books,”
The Coast, June 21, 2002.
An Independent Spirit
by Donna Campbell Smith
Free shipping within the US
$11.95
Note: Faithful
Publishing is an Imprint of Making Home
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