Betty Carlson Kay
Author

Mission

Bringing history to life through school presentations at schools throughout the state (and beyond). 

Profile

As the author of 11 books for children, recently retired after 34 years of teaching in the Springfield Public Schools, I am now able to devote more time to my writing and publishing career. Visiting schools and speaking about Abraham Lincoln, especially during the Lincoln Bicentennial 2008 – 2009 celebrations, seems a natural fit for me.

Information

I offer two presentations as follows:

For Grades 1 – 4, I recommend that I present as Mrs. Rutledge, of New Salem, depicting life in the small, log cabin village near Springfield. Meet Mr. Lincoln as a young, yet already ambitious resident and hear of the day to day life on the prairie. 

        OR

For Grades, 4 – 8, I recommend that I present Mrs. Elizabeth Todd Edwards, older sister of Mary Lincoln, who will talk about Mary’s life after her death in 1882. Dressed in hoop skirts and trimmings, she talks honestly about her little sister, Mary, stressing Mary’s good points.

Presentations run from 30 – 45 minutes including a question & answer time. There is an opportunity to purchase my books at good prices, BUT there is no obligation to purchase any and there is no fee, except for a $25.00 gas reimbursement.  If you are interested in inviting me to your school, please contact me. 

Books Published

The Lincolns from A to Z   Published by Author House in 2008  Endorsed by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, this book makes an excellent remembrance of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. With 50 photos from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, this alphabet book is for young people in grades 3-8, as well as their parents and teachers. There are 26 windows for both Abraham and Mary, just waiting to be opened. Each letter opens not only a window but a doorway into the lives of President and Mrs. Lincoln, and the world in which they lived. For information about my presentations, go to www.lincoln200.gov click on The Bicentennial, and then Endorsed Programs.

Americans of Character Series:         Abraham Lincoln         Chief Joseph         Harriet Tubman         Maya Lin         Roberto Clemente              Published by:  Young Peoples' Press,  San Diego, CA.

 

Illinois From A to Z        Published by the University of Illinois Press, 2000. "Illinois From A to Z is a delight to the senses. Once again, Betty Kay demonstrates her skills as a writer and educator. This is simply the best introduction to Illinois history for elementary and middle school students." - Thomas F. Schwartz, Illinois State Historian.  Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

 

What Did Lincoln Do ... In 1832? In 1842? In 1862?                     Published by Author House, 2005. "Abraham Lincoln comes alive in poignant detail  ...  this book will appeal to virtually all children and to many of their parents. And best of all, it presents Honest Abe without pretension so that he becomes a real human, even though he's on a printed page." - Lois Hederlong, Correspondent for The State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL. Available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

 

A Two Book CD
Susan's House: Where Frank Lloyd Got It Wright, 2005; and               Vachel Lindsay: Prairie Troubadour, 2005. This CD is available at the Sumac Gift Shop of the Dana Thomas House, Corner of Fourth Street and West Lawrence, and at the Vachel Lindsay Home, 603 South Fifth Street, Springfield, IL, or from the author.

News

The Lincolns from A to Z (2008) has been selected as one of the books to be given to school children in celebration of the Lincoln Bicentennial in Jacksonville, IL. I look forward to visiting many schools during the 2008 - 2009 school year. I am pleased to once again offer my books at a discount.