THE END OF THE SIDEWALK
Winner of the 2026 IndieReader Discovery Awards in Middle Grade, Fiction
What’s the book’s first line?
“I couldn’t wait to see The Parent Trap.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
A middle-grade historical fiction novel based on true experiences during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement in Jackson, Mississippi. The End of the Sidewalk follows twelve-year-old Trudy as the Civil Rights Movement unfolds around her. As the Freedom Riders arrive, she witnesses injustice firsthand, at the bus station, church, schools, and even within her own family. Follow Trudy as she begins to understand courage, conscience, standing on the right side of history, and friendship in unexpected places.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
Inspired by my mother’s involvement as a Civil Rights activist and the events that happened to our family, I wrote about some of the experiences in a writing class. My professor, the late Pat Fox, suggested that I write a book about my experiences. The seed was planted, but it took a long time to grow into fruition.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
This novel shows what it was like growing up during the Civil Rights Era from the perspective of a child. Many books tell about the Civil Rights Movement. This book tells what it felt like for a child growing up during that period, especially in home of a Civil Rights activist. This book makes the history personal and emotional.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The most distinctive characteristic about Trudy is her willingness to question what she has always accepted as right and what she sees happening that she knows is not right. Her moral awareness grows throughout the story. She becomes a Freedom Rider for Friendship. Trudy started out being like myself, but she took on her own personality. She became more like what I imagined my mother would have been like as a child.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I have always enjoyed writing, but never considered writing a novel until I attended a writing workshop in 2010 and The End of the Sidewalk was born.
Is this the first book that you’ve written?
Yes. I have some drafts for picture books, but this is my first completed book.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am a retired Special Education Teacher. I like to work in the yard and volunteer to work with children.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
It depends on my schedule. I try to spend at least one hour a day either in the morning or evening.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part is winning the category award for IndieReader and the hardest part is promoting sales.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Never give up on your dream.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
Probably so, because it would help me get it into the schools.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
My love of reading and my love of children serve as the biggest motivation for me.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Mary Oliver
Which book do you wish you could have written?
To Kill a Mockingbird