Anna Myers
Activity Sheet

Biography
Anna Myers is an eighth grade teacher who lives with her family in Chandler. Myers has won the Oklahoma Book Award twice: in 1993 for Red Dirt Jessie and in 1996 for Graveyard Girl. Her life as a teacher in Chandler, Oklahoma, gives her a deep understanding of both small-town life and young people.

Graveyard Girl
Book Description from Horn Book
Eli Mahoney's mother and sister have died in the 1878 Memphis yellow fever epidemic. His father, senseless with grief, escapes the depressing scene around him by sneaking onto a train and abandoning his twelve-year-old son. When Eli arranges for his sister's burial at Elmwood Cemetery, he is befriended by Grace, Elmwood's "graveyard girl," who tolls the bell for those who have died. Eli tries to harden his heart against developing feelings for anyone, but Grace coerces him into watching over a newly orphaned young girl to whom he becomes emotionally connected. By the time Grace dies from yellow fever, Eli discovers that it is only by caring for others that he is able to work through his overwhelming grief and deal with his traumatic situation.
Graveyard Girl's taut style recalls the author's first book, Red-Dirt Jessie . Historical fiction buffs will appreciate the close attention Myers pays to details, albeit horrific, about a period that is rarely described for children. Those looking for a highly involving story will be rewarded by this sad but ultimately hopeful book.

Ethan Between Us
Book Description from amazon.com
Ethan is gorgeous, easy to talk to, and a uniquely gifted pianist. But his musical talent is both a gift and a curse. The doctors label him a schizophrenic, as he claims to have been taught by a long-dead, nineteenth century composer. Clare doesn't know what to believe, but she's determined to help Ethan find out the truth about himself, even if it means having little time for anything else-including her best friend, Liz. But then Liz reveals Ethan's secret, and sets in motion a tragic turn of events...

Fire in the Hills
Book Description from Horn Book
Hallie, who takes over the care of her younger siblings after her mother's death, longs to pursue her education, but she lacks the means until she finds assistance -- and love -- from a conscientious objector who has been hiding in the hills. Set in Oklahoma during World War I, the novel boasts a strong heroine who stands up for her German-American neighbors and pursues her goals despite numerous obstacles.

Red-Dirt Jessie
Book Description from Horn Book
The Depression has taken its toll on an Oklahoma family, and when the youngest child dies, Papa gives up mentally and does nothing but rock in his chair. Jessie has grit, however, and schemes to make her father well. Good characterization and a vivid setting. The book is good to read aloud.

You may email Anna Myers at amyers_author@yahoo.com

Personal Web Page
http://www.telepath.com/sysjer/myers.htm