Ask the Author: Bette A. Stevens

“I'll be answering questions about my debut novel DOG BONE SOUP in February.” Bette A. Stevens

Answered Questions (11)

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If you could travel to any fictional book world, where would you go and what would you do there?

Bette A. Stevens To Kill a Mockingbird...
I would be Scout's neighbor, childhood friend and spend time with her family.

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What books are on your summer reading list this year?

Bette A. Stevens Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout
A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
The Storyteller Speaks by Annika Perry
To the Victor by Cathleen Townsend

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Hi Bette! Loved your book. I see you were am elem. school teacher - I am too! Anyhow - did your career in education prompt the focus of the humiliation of children being bullied because of being poor? Working in a lower socioeconomic district, I find myself discussing the importance pf respecting one one another no matter the level of wealth or lack thereof. I felt for your characters the way I would a student.

Bette A. Stevens Hi, Thomas. My teaching experience definitely helped lead to the focus of bullying, not just by children, but by adults as well: poverty and prejudice is a theme that remains front and center for me and I so appreciate you taking the time to chat and to value the book as a teacher. The short story prequel to Dog Bone Soup -- PURE TRASH was written specifically to open up discussion in the classroom. I taught grades 4-8 in California and Virginia (in three different socioeconomic communities) and found that the poor are relegated to an uphill struggle everywhere. That's why it's so important for adults to have their eyes open to fact that they do make a difference in the lives of children, whether it be for good or harm. I fear that I just found your question today and am so sorry about being late in responding. I am so glad to hear that you are a teacher and to know that you are making a difference in the lives of all of your students for the good. Thanks and blesssing, Bette

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What made you decide to write this book. It sounds like there maybe some hidden secrets about you in it perhaps? LOL. I love the book title! Author, Catherine Lyon

Bette A. Stevens Not about me... but about many I've met through the years! Want to get those 'secrets' out in the open and perhaps make a difference in the lives of kids who are bullied and intimidated because they are poor. Although DOG BONE SOUP takes place in the 1950s and 60s, poverty and prejudice is a theme that needs attention in our generation too! Thanks so much for asking, Catherine.

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Where did you get the idea for Dog Bone Soup?

Bette A. Stevens Hi, Lorena. I got the idea after hearing stories of Boomer friends who had grown up poor and had been bullied and rejected, but overcame the challenges they faced. I knew I had to write a story about poverty and prejudice, including the many positive people who help kids who are different know that they have great potential. As a retired teacher, I've seen that poverty and prejudice seem to be inextricably linked in societies past and present and I wanted to make a difference by telling the story. Thanks so much for stopping by for a chat. I hope you enjoy DOG BONE SOUP and look forward to hearing from you again. Have a great week! Bette

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Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Bette A. Stevens From many people whose personal stories have touched me. I advocate for children and families. As a retired teacher, many of those inspirations come from my students and their families.

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