Behind the Book
Photos of the Characters
Biographies (zoom to read on mobile; click to follow the links)
Newspaper Articles
In the novel, Jessie Carson feels overshadowed by her boss, who was a domineering presence, even an ocean away. In real life, Jessie Carson's boss was Anne Carroll Moore. For more information about her, please read the article below by librarian Kristin Anderson. Anne Carroll Moore was an incredible advocate for children and literacy, but as with most of us, there was a darker, opinionated side.
These articles from the New York Tribune, February 14th and March 22nd show how even unintentionally, the credit and limelight go to Jessie Carson's boss. I was disappointed to see that CARD or Jessie Carson's boss did not make the correction. Instead, a young French Card set the record straight.
