Mary Peace Finley
Award-winning author of books for young people
(cont. from previous page) Meeker Elementary School, Greeley, CO.
"On a more personal level, from the first soft notes on your Native American flute, you had my
students in the palm of your hand. I appreciated your calm and calming demeanor. The
children loved the artifacts that brought your trilogy to life. We continue to talk about the
importance of research in the writing of fiction.
I hope to see you again soon, so that another class of children can benefit from your wisdom and enthusiasm
for writing. You are also an inspiration to me--as a teacher and a writer. Thank you for the
wonderful experience. We hope you had a pleasant visit to our school and area." --Vicki
Heisler, Teacher
The following article first appeared on November 20, 2005 in the Forum section of the
Greeley Tribune A-13; by Vicki Heisler, 5th Grade Teacher at Meeker Elementary School,
Greeley, CO.
"We have crammed 72 fifth-graders and six adults into my small classroom. We sit shoulder to
shoulder on the carpeted floor, knees against the back of the person in front of us. And yet, the
discomforts and confinements vanish as soon as soft strains of the flute are heard. The white-
haired lady who stands before us plays a few more notes and quietly begins to speak.
We feel as if we know her, though most of us have never laid eyes on her before. We have studied her Website
and read her books. We have drafted questions for her, and made drawings and mementos for her. Somehow,
through an alchemy of paper and ink, she is our friend before we meet her.
She is Mary Peace Finley, author of a “Southwest Trilogy” that Colorado children cherish because it tells the
story of our state so effectively. Her books have been nominated several times for the Blue Spruce Award for
children’s literature, and with the third book of her series, “Meadow Lark,” she has become the
recipient of the Colorado Book Award. She is an accomplished author. (continued on next
page).
© Mary Peace Finley 2012
