From Appalachia to South of the Border

About the Book

The initial reaction after reading this book is to feel sorry for Judy Carol, a little 5 year old black child growing up in the mountains under very challenging circumstances. She is a product of her environment. Her role models in life were not quitters. Money was very scarce. Yet when something ailed them, they got out the ole “home-remedy” playbook( rub down with this or that and then take a spoon full of castor oil) and then you continued what you were doing. Judy Carol displayed a tremendous amount of strength, determination, vision, and responsibility. In spite of the mystery and questions surrounding her constant pain episodes, she never gave up… in spite of.. her accomplishments were many. Throughout her childhood, she had one trusted friend, her sister Linda (18 months her senior) who became her friend, her playmate, her mother, and her protector. The important lesson learned is that when faced with an obstacle, find another solution.

About the Author

Judy Gray Johnson (creator and producer) graduated from South Carolina State with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1964, earned a special education MEd from Virginia State University in 1971, and completed the coursework for a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from Virginia State Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia. She is also certified in the Commonwealth of Virginia as an elementary and secondary school principal. She developed the Travelmate Program in Fairfax County specifically to introduce third graders to geography, history, and the community. For three years, she served as president of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (the second largest teachers union in the state of Virginia,) representing teachers and aides in the largest school district in the state of Virginia. Alison Mills Newman (author) is an artist, screenwriter, poet, and author of the acclaimed Francisco, Maggie 3, The Tree Widow Book, and If You See Me Dancing. She is the author of St. Augustine’s Confessions, which was performed at the Perris Community Theatre. She is an award-winning film director of “The Tree Widow” short series, executive producer of the award-winning feature film Virgin Again (directed by Francisco Newman and now available on TUBI). She is a graduate of Saint Stephens University in the field of theology and has served as a chaplain for the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia, for five years.