Real people - real issues - real life

Neal Powers writes fiction and nonfiction about his experiences as an artist, pilot, flight instructor, FAA aviation safety inspector, global traveler, and journalist. 

Years ago, English teachers taught him to love books. So he reads and writes for real people - about real issues - and real life.

Grammar Matters!

Things change when Millie comes to Raleigh County in 1957. She teaches students to think for themselves, and soon everyone knows her slogan:

"Grammar matters. It proves you're educated!"

When Governor Faubus bars the "Little Rock Nine" from entering school, Millie challenges the local paper to hold an essay contest.  It evolves into a writing festival and Dutch's Diner becomes the forum for civic debate.

Because of one teacher, students learn to think critically about civil rights, the death of 13 year-old Donny Weber, the assassinations of JFK and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Vietnam. 

Millie leaves a legacy.  And Raleigh honors her memory in a most unusual way.