PATSI B. TROLLINGER
Author
 

Patsi B. Trollinger grew up in Tennessee in a family that valued books and stories. She began writing poems in third grade, short stories in middle school, and news stories during high school, when she worked as a teen correspondent for a newspaper. After graduating from college, Trollinger pursued a career in journalism and public relations, writing frequent news and magazine articles. She also has written plays and essays. Her work has appeared in Ladybug and other magazines including Keeneland and Back Home in Kentucky.

Her first book is Perfect Timing, a picture-book biography of racing great Isaac Murphy. The book is illustrated by award-winning artist Jerome Lagarrigue. Trollinger became interested in writing about Isaac Murphy after seeing a short, six-line story about him in a local newspaper. Months of research followed before the book became reality.

Published Book

Perfect Timing : How Isaac Murphy Became one of the World's Greatest Jockeys by Patsi B. Trollinger, Jerome LaGarrigue (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 7 and older, Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Viking Juvenile (September 21, 2006)

Junior Library Guild selection
Golden Kite Nominee

Now in paperback ISBN  978-097934312-4
 
OR

Online from Benjamin Press: www.elmwoodinn.com/books/index.html

Paintings by award-winning artist Jerome Lagarrigue are paired with lively text by Patsi Trollinger to tell the story of Isaac Murphy, the first jockey to win the Kentucky Derby three times. The pages bring to life sports action and personal triumph for a hero from the 1800s.

The book began more than ten years ago when Patsi Trollinger noticed a small newspaper article about a jockey who was one of the most respected and honored athletes of the late 1800s. One trip to a research library, and she was hooked on telling the man's life story, which ranged from high moments of victory to painful dealings with racial prejudice.

"This is the kind of book teachers are hungry to have for inslruction jn multicultural history." -Tressa Blown,
Kentucky African-American Heritage Commission

From Chicago Tribune, Sept. 10, 2006 "...readers will love the atmospherics of flying dirt and surging horses, and see the affection shown for the horses and their jockeys. Set in the last quarter of the 19th century, when African-American Isaac Murphy rode to fame, this story explains just what the jockey adds to the equation."

From Amazon.com, June 8, 2006
"Perfect Timing is a winning combination of sports, biography, and the inspiring story of an African American who made racing history."

From Booklist  
This picture-book biography, Trollinger's debut title, celebrates a legendary African American jockey. Using the jockey's "perfect timing" as a framework, Trollinger begins with a serendipitous moment, when Murphy was 12, that started his career. Off-track scenes, such as Murphy's marriage, appear, but Trollinger focuses on Murphy's rigorous training and the thrilling races, described in moment-by-moment detail. The straightforward text will read aloud well, and the subject will interest boys and girls alike. Lagarrigue's elegant paintings wonderfully enhance the story. As in his illustrations for Deborah Wiles' Freedom Summer (2000), for which he received the Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award, the images reinforce the story's sense of looking back through time with blurred, abstract acrylics, which, like memories or historical stories, only capture part of the picture. Kids will be drawn particularly to scenes on the track, spiked with the color of bright silk uniforms, which evoke the speed and the excitement of both horse and rider. A note adds more historical context about African Americans in horse racing. Gillian Engberg  Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved

 
Free Educator's Kit
Lecson plans and links to core content online:.
www.patsitrollinger.com

Free School Visit With Bulk Orders

To lanch this new editicn. Patsi Trollinger is offening a limited number of FREE Author Visits to schools that place a minimum $500 order.

For details, contact the publisher (phone 859-332-2400 or email: tK@benjammiro5S.com ).

Presentations

Patsi B. Trollinger is a veteran speaker and teacher who brings energy and creativity to her presentations. Following are some suggested topics for school visits or other settings. She's glad to respond to special requests.

History Sleuths and Story Telling
An interactive look at photos, old clothing, and other artifacts that provide clues for writing good stories. Appropriate for grades three and up.

Making a Story: The Writing Process
Steps to good writing, from ideas and brainstorming, through revisions and publishing. Ideal as an interactive workshop for small groups. Can be adapted for larger groups with PowerPoint visuals.

My Beginnings as a Writer
Roots of a writing career that began in third grade and persisted through some peer ridicule and a mountain of rejection letters, leading finally to a book contract.

Triple Threat: One Story, Three Styles
A workshop about ways to adapt a story to three different styles of writing: news, literary narrative, and playscript. Best suited for older writers (fifth grade and up) in a single class or small group.

Professional Fee
Current rate for school visits is $500 per day plus travel expenses. This can include up to four presentations per school day (for example: three small groups and one large group, or four small groups). It's fine to add a breakfast or lunch with students, a booksigning, or a brief read-aloud in the library.
Contact

Patsi B. Trollinger
150 North Maple Avenue
Danville, KY 40422

or phone 859-236-0135

or email mailto:trollinger@kycom.net

Website: http://www.patsibtrollinger.com

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