AN INDEPENDENT SPIRIT, The Tale of Betsy Dowdy and Black Bess, Smith, Donna Campbell

— $11.95 pb

208 pgs. 2006 reprint. Upper elementary, middle school.
Unlikely heroine Betsy Dowdy lives on North Carolina’s isolated Currituck Banks. She would rather be riding her wild pony, Black Bess, than knitting caps and learning how to be a “proper” lady.
Far away in Boston, war is brewing between King George and the colonists. Betsy isn’t worried—until word comes that Lord Dunmore and his British soldiers are moving towards Currituck Banks, burning houses and killing livestock. Suddenly Betsy’s beloved ponies are in danger. In a daring all-night ride, Betsy and Bess race to warn General Skinner of the coming attack. Can she reach him in time?
Historical fiction, coast, revolutionary era.

back to Literature softcover