QC author presents her children’s book at Rock Island Library
Quad Cities author Shellie Moore Guy will present her family’s inspiring journey of resilience and perseverance, as told in her children’s book “The Family Tree,” on Saturday, April 20, at the Rock Island Watts-Midtown Branch.
The free event will be at 11 a.m. in the Watts-Midtown Branch auditorium, 2715 30th St. The book, written by Guy and illustrated by Gwen Ballard Patton, tells the story of brothers Charley Wilson and Sandy Terry, who escaped enslavement in Kentucky to fight for the Union Army in the Civil War.
Wilson, who is Guy’s great-great-grandparent, settled in Rock Island with his family after the war. He later moved to Port Byron. In 1914, John Hauberg interviewed Wilson about his life under slavery and his journey to freedom.
Guy is a life-long resident of Rock Island. As part of her background as a storyteller, artist, community activist, and advocate, Guy wrote the book to educate the community and share her family’s stories, particularly those of the 108th Regiment of the United States Colored Infantry. According to the National Park Service website, the regiment was organized at Louisville, Kentucky, on June 20, 1864, and served in action, garrison and guard duty at various points, including the Rock Island Prison Camp. The unit mustered out March 21, 1866.
“As much as slavery is a tough topic, there are stories within stories that help us learn about resilience, perseverance, and faith,” said Guy.” In the author’s note to “The Family Tree,” she wrote, “Our story reflects the stories of many African American families in the United States and it is my hope that this labor of love will provide the readers of this book a sense of history as well as a source of personal inspiration, encouragement, and pride.”
For more information about the library and other events, visit here or call 309-732-READ.
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