Readers often ask me questions, so I thought I would post my answers to those received most frequently.  Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] with other questions you might have.

Do Christians like your book, Mary Mae and the Gospel Truth?

Yes.  I have received wonderful reviews from Christians.  John F. Haught, former chair of the Theology Department at Georgetown University, had this to say about Mary Mae and the Gospel Truth: 

“Sandra Dutton demonstrates here that the quest to integrate faith with the fossil record can be a most enriching experience, and that it is never too early to allow our children to experience the joy of integrating their religious beliefs with a solid science education. This is a delightful — but also serious — work. It will appeal to parents, pastors and educators. We need more works like this.”

 And David Crumm, Editor of Read the Spirit said this:

 “This is a great book for the entire family, especially if your family is related to evangelical Christianity. I can’t imagine a more engaging and compassionate slice of American life than “Mary Mae and the Gospel Truth,” a novella for young readers by Sandra Dutton. And frankly, this book is so good that adults will enjoy it, too. I certainly did.  (His entire review can be read on Amazon.

Are you for or against homeschooling?

I am for homeschooling as long as the parent is qualified.  By qualified, I don’t mean they need a degree in education, but the parent must be able to create interesting, challenging assignments that following a meaningful sequence.  In my story, Mrs. Krebs is neither qualified nor prepared.  She thinks teaching will be easy, that it’s just a matter of making some assignments, but as anyone who has taught knows, teaching takes much time and preparation to create a meaningful curriculum and sequence.

Note, also, that my story takes place in 1988, when there were very few families homeschooling.  Mary Mae’s mother had virtually nowhere to go for help.  And my story is about a very specific fictional family.

Is there cursing in your book? 

On page 6, a pickup truck passes Mary Mae’s mother going a hundred miles an hour, and Granny curses.  But as Mary Mae says, “When Granny cusses it ain’t like she’s cussing. It’s like she’s talking to the Lord.”  On page 9, as Granny, Mama, and Mary Mae are singing John 3:16, Mama is pulled over by the highway patrol and she says, “Oh, Jesus Lord.”  It’s more of a cry for help.  On page 11 , Mary Mae imitates Granny and is immediately reprimanded by her mother:  “You don’t use that kind of language,” she tells Mary Mae.  On page 43, Granny can’t find her glasses.“Sweet Jesus,” she says, then apologizes.

Are your characters Christian?

The characters in Mary Mae and the Gospel Truth <