When They Bully: Secrets of the Lost

by Regina N. Smith

In 1969 a 15-year-old, African American student, Claudine Jefferson, soon discovers that her older sister, Nell Jefferson, is missing the day after sneaking off to meet her boyfriend, Paul Boudreaux. He is a popular Caucasian jock who has ties to one of the most racist and powerful families in Wood Oak, Louisiana. Hoping to find answers to her sister’s disappearance, Claudine seeks help from other students at the high school where racial discrimination is prevalent, and allies are far and few. Will Claudine and her friends be able to obtain the answers needed to help them find out the truth about her sister’s disappearance and bring her home?

Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2020

About the author

Regina N. Smith is an African American author from Louisiana whose work tackles difficult and often overlooked topics. Her writing explores bullying, interracial relationships, racial discrimination, colorism, child abuse, women’s issues, and complex friendships. She is unafraid to address situations that may be triggering, presenting them within narratives that encourage awareness and moral reflection. Through both virtuous and flawed characters, Regina crafts stories where every figure serves a greater purpose, guiding readers to think critically and engage in deeper dialogue.

Recently, she wrote “I Hope This Letter Finds Its Way to You,” a heartfelt song inspired by her Love Fumbles series, bringing moments from the stories to life through music.