Steps To Liberty Author Reading

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Mamaroneck Avenue School Hosts Author Reading

The Mamaroneck Avenue School in White Plains will offer an author reading on Wednesday, March 25, 2008.  Local children’s book author, Laura Marsh, will read from her recent book, Steps to Liberty, a children’s book of historical fiction set during the American Revolution.  .

Steps to Liberty was published by the Junior League of Central Westchester (JLCW) as part of its ongoing literacy projects.  This beautifully illustrated book brings young readers into the world of nine-year-old Michael Varian, who lived with his patriot family in Wayside Cottage on the Post Road in Scarsdale. Set during the fall of 1776, Michael overhears secret patriot meetings at the cottage, discovers a hidden passageway, and witnesses the British raid on his family’s home.

Children who live in and around central Westchester County will recognize many of the landmarks and names from the book. Steps to Liberty showcases everyday life in Colonial America and illustrates that this country’s battle for freedom was fought right here in Westchester County.

Wayside Cottage still stands today on the corner of the Post Road and Wayside Lane in Scarsdale and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The cottage was built some time before 1729, and the JLCW has occupied and cared for the house since 1953. An extensive preservation project began this fall, through the efforts of the JLCW and local officials to preserve this historic building.

Heidi Andersen president of the JLCW said, “We are so excited about this book. Steps to Liberty is an intriguing story and is full of suspense. We are very lucky to be able preserve the wonderful history of Wayside Cottage for everyone to enjoy.”

The author, Laura Marsh, a JLCW member and former children’s book editor, collaborated with local illustrator, John R. Wright to create Steps to Liberty.  The book also includes a glossary, a Varian family tree, and social studies content understandings for teachers. More teaching tools such as a timeline of the American Revolution, a discussion of “fact versus fiction” content in the book, a history of Wayside Cottage, and more are available on the JLCW website at www.JLCentralWestchester.org.

Former JLCW president Robin Duke said, “The idea to write a book about the cottage came from the League’s commitment to literacy and the exciting history that surrounds historic Wayside Cottage.”

To order copies of the book, please call the JLCW at 723-6130.

The Junior League of Central Westchester is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Steps to Liberty

By Laura F. Marsh

Illustrated by John R. Wright

Publisher: Junior League of Central Westchester

Publication Date: November 15, 2007

ISBN:

$17.95 / Ages 6-10