A Voice for Kanzas ~ Debra McArthur

A Voice for Kanzas

by Debra McArthur

ISBN: 978-1-61067-044-9

Age 9+, 384 pages, $15.99


About the book:
Kansas Territory in 1855 is a difficult place to settle, particularly for a thirteen-year-old poet like Lucy Thomkins, the plucky and determined heroine of A Voice for Kanzas. Between the proslavery Border Ruffians and Insiders like her father who are determined to make Kansas a free state, it's hard to be heard, no matter your age. But after Lucy makes two new friends - a local Indian boy and a girl whose family helps runaway slaves - she makes choices to prove to herself (and others) that words and poems are meaningless without action behind them. Through their struggle to help a slave girl to freedom, Lucy ultimately finds her voice. A voice for Kansas.

Writing the book:

Debra claims, if truth be told, that it took about 25 years for A Voice for Kanzas to be written.

She explains, "In the mid-1980s, I taught high school language arts in Kansas. I did a cooperative unit with the history teacher in which our students studied Kansas history and then created an imaginary pioneer community. Each student played the role of a citizen of the town and wrote stories from the point of view of that character. During the project, I also created characters and wrote along with the students. I enjoyed imagining life in those tumultuous days, and I liked seeing it through the eyes of a character I'd created. But the time was not right yet for me to write a novel.

"In 2001, I wrote a nonfiction book for young readers about the 'Bleeding Kansas' years, and I rediscovered my fascination with the period. By the time I finished the nonfiction book, I wanted to try my hand at a novel for kids.

"Historical accuracy was important to me, and I have used many primary documents in the text of the book. But I also needed to portray a character whose inner struggle would resonate with young readers. Like most children, thirteen-year-old Lucy has little power over most aspects of her life. She expresses herself through her poetry, but she is struggling to be heard. As she grows to understand the bigger issues around her, Lucy uses her words to expose the atrocities of slavery and to support the cause of freedom. More importantly, she dares to validate her words with her actions. And that can be a dangerous thing in Kansas Territory."

Lucy's words and actions are influential in affecting the society of 1855. We asked Debra if she believes that young people today have such opportunities.  "It begins with respect for ourselves and others," she says. "When we purposefully make the choice to be honest, respectful, and moral we will effect change and make the world a better place."

Debra currently lives in Missouri where she teaches writing at Park University. She is available to speak to schools and other groups about Kansas history, A Voice for Kanzas and the writing process, or even lead writing activities.

You can purchase A Voice for Kanzas on MyUsborneBooks.com for $15.99 and learn more about Debra McArthur on her website here.