2. Betsy Byars was born on August 7, 1928.

3. When she was a child, she wanted to work with wild animals.

4. Now, she and her husband live on an airstrip in South Carolina.

5. It takes Betsy Byars about one year to write a book.

6. She gets her ideas from what happens in her own life.

7. She likes to write dialog so there is a lot of talking in her books.

8. The Black Fox Tommy does not enjoy staying at his uncles farm until he gets to know a black fox.

9. Tornado Pete tells stories about his dog Tornado while he and the others are sitting in a storm cellar during a tornado.

10. Trouble River Dewey and his grandmother ride a raft down Trouble River as they try to escape from a group of Indians.

11. Betsy Byars is a leading author who has won many awards for her books. She creates characters that are more courageous than she might be in the same situation.

12. Websites www.betsybyars.com www.amazon.com