The Kentucky Humanities Council began its New Books for New Readers project because Kentucky’s adult literacy students want books that recognize their intelligence and experience while meeting their need for simplicity in writing. The first nine titles in the New Books for New Readers series have helped many adult students open a window on the wonderful world of literacy. At the same time, the New Books, with their plain language and compelling stories of Kentucky history and culture, have found a wider audience among accomplished readers of all ages who recognize a good read when they see one. As we publish the tenth New Book, we thank our authors and our readers, who together have proved that New Books and the humanities are for everyone.
This volume was made possible, in part, by the continuing assistance of the Scripps Howard Foundation through the Kentucky Post and through support from the Louisville Courier-Journal, the Moninger Schmidt Fund, and friends of the Kentucky Humanities Council. The cosponsorship of the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives and the Kentucky Literacy Commission has been essential to our undertaking. We are also grateful for the advice and support provided to us by the University Press of Kentucky. All of these agencies share our commitment to the important role reading books plays in the lives of the people of our Commonwealth.
Virginia G. Smith, Executive Director
Kentucky Humanities Council