Books

If you’d like an autographed copy of one of my books, please contact me at jenni[email protected]

Tennessee Tales the Textbooks Don’t Tell (The Overmountain Press, 2002) is a collection of memorable stories from Tennessee’s past. Beginning with the legend of how a young Cherokee boy earned the name “Dragging Canoe” and weaving its way through three centuries, Tennessee Tales treats history not as a collection of names and dates but as real-life drama filled with strong characters and vivid emotions.
From buckskin pioneers to sequined singers…from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mighty Mississippi River…from Rachel Donelson to Elvis Presley…from bottled Coca-Cola to Goo Goo Clusters…from the fight for woman suffrage to the fight for racial equality, Tennessee Tales captures the essence of the Volunteer State from the 1700s to the present. Written in simple style and richly illustrated, the book’s seventeen true stories are sure to enlighten and delight readers of all ages.

My co-authors for this book were Dr. Calvin Dickinson, professor emeritus of history at Tennessee Technological University, and Lisa Rand, a fourth grade teacher whose areas of expertise include Reading Methods and Children’s Literature.  Tennessee Tales the Textbooks Don’t Tell may be purchased from traditional booksellers or online at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Classroom sets are available at considerable discount from the publisher at overmountainpress.com.  If you’d like an autographed copy, contact me at [email protected]

E Is for Elvis: The Elvis Presley Alphabet (Rutledge Hill Press, 2006) celebrates the legacy and lunancy of the King of Rock and Roll. Undoubtedly the most influential cultural icon of the twentieth century, Elvis Presley had a rich and colorful life that touched millions of people all over the world. E Is for Elvis is a lighthearted look at everything Elvis. From the grandness of Graceland to the adoration of millions of fans that continues decades after his death. From young Elvis to fat Elvis. From Priscilla’s big hair to his mama’s love. From the impersonators who keep his memory alive to the sightings that “prove” he never left us. From jeweled jumpsuits to Vegas, E Is for Elvis is a glimpse in twenty-six letters of the shy young singer who changed the world.

My co-authors for this book were Dr. Calvin Dickinson, professor emeritus of history at Tennessee Technological University, and Lisa Rand, a fourth grade teacher. Ron Wireman was the hugely talented illustrator.

E Is for Elvis may be purchased from traditional booksellers or online at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. If you’d like an autographed copy, contact me at [email protected]

Soldiers, Spies & Spartans: Civil War Stories from Tennessee (The Overmountain Press, 2011) views the war in the Volunteer State through the eyes of children and teenagers who witnessed it. Private Elisha Stockwell at the Battle of Shiloh. Confederate spy Ginnny Moon. Drummer boy Johnny Clem. The McGavock and Carter children, eyewitnesses to the bloody Battle of Franklin. Sam Davis, boy hero of the Confederacy. Slave-turned-soldier Hanson Caruthers. And lots of others. Written in simple style and richly illustrated, Soldiers, Spies & Spartans tells the tragic story of the war in Tennessee as it has never been told before.

My co-author for this book was Dr. Calvin Dickinson, professor emeritus of history at Tennessee Technological University. He and I collaborated on two previous works: Tennessee Tales the Textbooks Don’t Tell and E Is for Elvis.

Soldiers, Spies & Spartans may be purchased from traditional booksellers or online at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Classroom sets are available at considerable discount from the publisher at overmountainpress.com. If you’d like an autographed copy, contact me at [email protected]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *