MORE ABOUT EVELYN COLMAN'S BOOKS
Parents' Choice Recommended Title
(Go HERE to read more - Historical Winners Section)
My latest book is set in Atlanta, Georgia in the community of Cabbagetown in 1947. This story is based on the actual Freedom Train that traveled across the United States in 1947-49 carrying our most precious documents, like the Declaration of Independence to 322 cities. The train was guarded 24-hours-a-day by U.S. Marines. The most fascinating part to me is that some of the Marines, who guarded the train are still alive today (John A. Brown, Theodore (Ted) Tintor and Hank Steadman). Soon, you'll be able to click on the book and see more about The Freedom Train. For now to get more history visit Craig Harmon's website at Here. Craig served as a consultant for me along with several of the Marines for this book. Cabbagetown natives, folksinger Joyce Brookshire, Leon Little, Mack Jones and Patsy Wyatt Clontz all helped me bring an authentic character to life in the story.
MOONBEAM CHILDREN'S AWARD SILVER MEDAL
ALSO NOMINATED FOR EDGAR AWARD
This story is the American Girl doll "Addy's" first mystery. Set in Philadelphia, PA. Addy is overjoyed when Poppa's new boss invites her family to live on his property in Philadelphia's elegant Society Hill neighborhood. But Addy soon discovers that their new home holds dangerours secrets -- and one of them leads straight back to the North Carolina plantation she escaped only two years before.
BOOK ALERT: Both Circle of Fire and Mystery of the Dark Tower can be ordered from many bookstores online. Ther is limited availability in bookstores because these two books are out-of-print from publisher. However, I do have a few copies for sale if you cannot find anywhere else.
Circle of Fire is set in the mountains of Tennessee and not only introduces readers to the Highlander Folk School and the courageous Myles Horton. Believe it or not Myles Horton lost his property because he refused to comply with the states mandate to not have intergrated gatherings on his property in the 1950s. Also Rosa Parks attended the Highlander school (they taught civil disobedience techniques) a few months before she refused to stand up on the bus.
My book is Mystery of the Dark Tower an American Girl History Mystery. This is the story of Bessie Carol Coulter a twelve year old girl who unravels a mystery and helps her family in 1928, Harlem, New York.
White
Socks Only
This book is a story about a little girl who sneaks into town to fry an egg on the sidewalk. While she's there she drinks from a "whites only" water fountain and thus begins a transforming experience for her and the town.
Click the movie camera to see information on White Socks Only Live
Action Film
This story is about a little girl who has been taught by her grandmother who is raising her that the spirits of her ancestors live in a tree in the yard. The spirits are contained by glass bottles until some mean old states folk come to take the little girl away. This is a story about non-traditional families. Click the picture to see a larger view. And go here to see some photos of real "glass bottle trees."
To Be a Drum
Two young children listen to their father tell them the story of the drum being taken away from African's once they were enslaved in America. The story invites all children to become drums, an instrument of peace and love. *This illustrator has spectacular art here. She actually used pieces of her Great Aunt's quilt made while she was enslaved in Georgia for the clothes on these three dimensional people. Not only that Aminah is probably one of the most dedicated, incredibly talented and visionary artist I've ever met. And to think I can now consider among my dearest friends. I truly love her and if you are fortunate enough to meet her I say run for the chance!
A story of an enslaved man who tricks the slave master in order to gain his freedom. BOO HOO This book is going out of print so if you see a copy I suggest you get it. Daniel Minter's art work is worth a mint in this book. Ask Bill Gates!
The story of the washer woman who gave her life savings to the University of Southern Mississippi and has received top honors all over the world. This book also contains a savings diary and resources for young children to learn to save. In addition apart of the proceeds of this book goes to Miss McCarty's endowment at the University to aid students in their pursuit of education. *Another one of Daniel Minter's masterpieces.