These days there’s no lack of good books to read. The trick is finding a way to sort through them for the best ones!

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Find out more about an author who meets that criteria.

Terry Lee Caruthers' journey into storytelling began in a ninth-grade English class, where she crafted a couple of well-received short stories. Remarkably, she still holds these early works close to her heart. The spark for storytelling might have been influenced by her mother, who was also a writer. It's an example of how our roots can influence our future passions.

Terry Lee Caruthers spent an impressive 45 years working as a librarian. During her tenure, she evolved into a semi-professional storyteller, sharing tales that captivated audiences. One such tale that she stumbled upon was a legend about a Christmas story. What sets Caruthers apart is her curiosity. When she couldn't find enough background information or notes on the legend, she decided to become the storyteller herself. Her first project was to tell the tale of the tabby cat, a story she's still working on getting published.

A Passion for Education and Animals

Caruthers' storytelling isn't limited to legends and Christmas tales. In 2011, she embarked on a new journey, driven by her passion for animals. She decided to write a book, "Sergeant Stubby, Soldier-Dog,” based on a true story. This heartfelt book allowed her to establish a connection with the grandson of this remarkable dog’s caregiver.

In 2020, Terry faced the challenge of releasing two books during a year fraught with pandemic-related limitations. The inability to hold book signings was undoubtedly frustrating. Alongside her writing, Caruthers holds the role of a special projects librarian, where she evaluates historical newspapers. In the course of her work, she uncovered the name of the first black woman to vote in Knoxville, TN, a story lost since 1919. She was moved to write a picture book, “The Big Day,” in honor of Agnes Sadler.

Educational Storytelling and Success

What sets Caruthers' approach apart is her commitment to infusing education into her storytelling. “The Faithful Dog," set during the Civil War, exemplifies this. “I want to educate through my writing,” she says. “I try to keep everything as factual as I can.” Her dedication to research and accuracy shines through in her work.

To connect with Terry Lee Caruthers and explore her work, visit her website.