Kitty Griffin

I found Betsy's story on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

From the Observer-Reporter 9.26.10 "Books Provide Kids with Examples of Determination, Courage"
For more than 200 years, an oral tradition has been repeated of one brave girl and her pony who helped change the course of American history. According to the legend, 16-year-old Betsy Dowdy wanted her freedom from England just like the other colonists in 1775.
When word arrived one evening that the Redcoats were on their way, the men said it was too dark and dangerous to make the long trip to alert General Skinner and get help. Betsy knew she couldn't stop King George, or serve as a soldier, but she was as good a rider as anyone, and her pony, Bess, could outrun any horse.
So, Betsy took the mission upon herself, riding 50 miles to reach General Skinner's camp. As the legend goes, Betsy's message was received in time, ultimately resulting in victory by the colonial solderis against the might British army.
A story of courage and determination, "The Ride" delivers in every way.

Sometimes Betsy felt as lonely as a ghost crab skittering along the sand.

A starred review from "Publisher's Weekly" A glowing review from "School Library Journal" and a Junior Library Guild Selection

Clementine Sweet is on the loose! Kirkus, "..young readers will simply read a tale that will make them smile." Booklist, "Children looking for a heroine who takes matters into her own hands--make that feet, too--will find her here." SLJ, "Used as an introduction to the tale-tale genre or for just plain fun, this will be an enegetic addition to storytimes." Selected by the Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College as one of the best books of the year. (2005)

Yee Haw!

Cowboy Sam
Starred Review in Publisher's Weekly
*"Caballero wannabes will get a bigger-than-Texas bang out of Griffin & Comb's slangy, twangy debut...Rootin'-tootin' boot-scootin' fun, beginning to end."

Ride with Betsy!

Illustrations by Marjorie Priceman, two-time Caldecott Honor winner!

"The Ride: The Legend of Betsy Dowdy"

I'm so proud of finding a story that has such a strong girl as the hero. I see her as hard-working, thoughtful, and determined, as I'm sure women had to be back in the late 1700s. So many people helped me on the way, especially Tom Butchko who worked at the Museum of the Albermarle. Sadly, Tom didn't live to hear the special reading we had at the musuem on September 19. I dedicated that reading to his memory.
And of course, my thanks to Shirley Spaeth and the women of the Betsy Dowdy Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.