Ellen Jensen Abbott

Book title: Watersmeet
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish
Children's Books
Publication Date: April 1, 2009
ISBN: 13: 978-0-7614-5536-3; 10: 0-7614-5536-1

Authors' website: www.ellenjensenabbott.com
YA: Ages 12 and up

Description: From her birth, Abisina has been outcast—for the color of her eyes and skin, and for her lack of a father. Only her mother’s status as the village healer has kept her safe. But when a mythic leader arrives, Abisina’s life is ripped apart. She escapes alone to try to find the father and the home she has never known. In a world of extremes, from the deepest prejudice to the greatest bonds of duty and loyalty, Abisina must find her own way and decide where her true hope lies.


About the Author: Ellen Jensen Abbott grew up in the foothills of New Hampshire's White Mountains—often disappearing for a whole day to build forts, pretend, and read in the fields and forests around her house. She has degrees in English and education from Brown and Harvard Universities. When she is not dreaming up stories about Seldara, she teaches English at a boarding school in Westtown, PA. Ellen, her husband, and two children like to spend time outdoors: camping and hiking in the summer; skiing and snowboarding in the winter. She and her family live in West Chester, PA with their dog and small flock of chickens. Excerpt: Through the crush of bodies, Abisina could make out Elder Theckis standing back, arms crossed, watching. Next to her, Jorno put a warning hand on her arm. "Be ready to run." Abisina spotted a large man throwing himself through the crowd like a fish swimming against the current. “The outcasts!" he screamed. "The cursed outcasts!" His cry spread, and the crowd rounded on the outcasts. Without a second thought, Abisina was running—vaulting a fence, rushing down the lane. Jorno matched her stride for stride. She glanced back only once as the surging crowd trampled two outcasts who had fallen. She turned and ran for her life.

Author Photo: Tim Loose