Ruffian: The Greatest Thoroughbred Filly

Known as the Greatest Thoroughbred Filly, Ruffian was born at Claiborne Farm near Paris, Kentucky, on April 17, 1972, and died at Belmont Park, New York, on July 7, 1975. Ruffian captured the hearts of the racing world and all those who worked with her. One of those hearts was fictional teenager Meg Murphy. Forced to leave her horse and friends behind in Bison Gap, Montana, and move to Lexington, Kentucky, for her dad's new job, Meg struggles to fit in and be the society girl her parents dream of. All she wants is to be back in Bison Gap wearing her Wranglers and riding her horse that is until Doc, her uncle and a veterinarian, asks Meg to help him at the barn with the racehorses. Little did she know that one of the first things she helps Doc with-the birth of the beautiful filly Ruffian-would bring Meg her greatest love and heartbreak.

About the Author
McKenzie, Precious: - Precious McKenzie is an American author who writes books for children as well as poetry and short stories for adults. Ruffian is her debut historical fiction book for middle grades. Precious has a PhD in British Literature and loves those big, fat Victorian novels. She has published over thirty books for children. Her poems have appeared in Gemini Magazine, ellipsis, Sandstone, and as part of Tupelo Press's 30/30 Project. Visit Precious at www.preciousmckenzie.com or on Twitter @PreciousMcKenzi.Raymo, Tara: - Tara Raymo is a graphic designer and artist in Port St. Lucie, Florida. She loves working on books for children and making them fun and interesting for a kid to pick up. Tara also enjoys all she gets to learn while designing the books. Some of her favorite things to do are reading children's books, such as Harry Potter (She is a BIG Harry Potter Geek) and watching Disney movies. While Tara likes all the fun stuff, she can switch it up to a more professional level, with marketing materials and social media marketing. Tara has been working in children's book publishing for 13 years. Completing tasks such as Book Design and Layout, Photo Research, Art Direction, Board Book Design, Catalogs, Marketing Materials, and Social Media Marketing. Prior to the publishing world, Tara spent 12 years experience in the print industry, with the job function of prepress and design. This has helped Tara with her designs as she has the knowledge of what printers expect in the final files and pdfs being delivered. Tara can be reached at CreativelyTara@gmail.com.Mitten, Luana K.: - Luana K. Mitten is the founding editor and CEO of BeaLu Books, which she established in July 2015 as a way to bring the joy of quality children's book publishing to young authors and readers. Having personally written 58 books and edited hundreds more, Luana brings a wealth of experience to her role. Prior to founding BeaLu Books, she served in a host of editorial roles and worked as an educator, teaching creative writing and reading to elementary school students. As the founding editor of a small but mighty independent book press, she works with authors to take their writing from manuscript to book and coordinates with her talented team of in-house illustrators and designs to produce titles that support development and challenge young readers. She lives with her very supportive husband, son, and canine companions, Mr. Beans and Lucy, in Tampa, Florida. Find her online at: Twitter: @Luana_Mitten @BooksBea Facebook: @BeaLuBooks Instagram: @BeaLuBooks Linkedin: https: //www.linkedin.com/in/luanakmitten/