My son and I are both excited to have Rae Ann Parker, author of The Devil’s Backbone on my blog today. We tackled this book together and had a blast discussing each chapter as we went. I’ve never been down the Natchez Trace, but after having read this book, I most definitely want to plan a family trip there soon. My son loved the book, and we both learned so much about the history of the Trace and had a lot of fun at the same time!

(About the Book) David Baxter takes the blame for the graffiti on the school gym doors to keep his friend out of trouble and earns a three-day suspension. His dad, the juvenile judge, forces him to go on a road trip to redemption on the Natchez Trace Parkway. What his dad doesn’t know is that David meets a ghost carrying the last letter of Meriwether Lewis—the piece of evidence that may solve the 200-year-old mystery of Lewis’s death. Thanks to the ghost, David just might figure out how to relate to his dad and forgive his wayward mom.

I’ll jump right in. Where does the title The Devil’s Backbone come from?

The Devil’s Backbone was the nickname for the Natchez Trace in the early 1800s when outlaws roamed the Trace, robbing travelers who walked back up the Trace after selling their goods in Natchez and New Orleans. I think it’s a really cool name and wanted to use it for the title of the book.

For those who aren’t familiar, can you give us a brief summary of what makes the Natchez Trace special and unique enough to merit its own book?

The first time I visited the Natchez Trace Parkway after moving to Tennessee, I knew right away that it was a place full of history. Many people had traveled the road and they all had stories. I wanted to learn more about those people and their stories. I began reading about the history of the Trace and decided to write a fictional story about a boy who makes a special discovery while traveling on the Trace.

You describe the stops along the Trace in such fantastic detail—I’m picturing weeks or months of research on your part! What kinds of research did you tackle for this book?

I started by reading about the Trace, but I knew I needed to travel the Trace (all 444 miles of it) in person before writing my story. Or maybe I just wanted an excuse to explore the Trace. It is fascinating! On the research trip, I documented my journey in a notebook (similar to David’s journal) noting the time I stopped at each site, the Park Rangers I talked to and what I learned from them and the historical markers on the Trace. I am still researching the Trace. It amazes me and I often learn something new when I visit.

One part in this book that made me squirm was (part of) the reason for the trip—to see David’s mom who had left her family to follow her dream. I think you as an author handled her more than fairly. Was her storyline difficult for you to write?

I always want the people and families in my books to have real problems that readers can relate to. My previous work as a social worker influences my writing. The theme of this book is forgiveness and second chances. We all face challenges, but we work through them together.

In your acknowledgements you thank your family for dinnertime conversations about the book. How involved was your family in the writing of this book?

My family helped a lot in my research for the book. They accompanied me on my primary research trip on the Trace, taking photos, reading maps, and walking on the trails with me. They’re always willing to listen to me talk about my writing at dinnertime or anywhere else. I appreciate it!

You’ve set the bar pretty high with this one. Can you tell us about your next project in the works?

Thank you! I’m working on another middle grade novel about a middle school boy with a big problem to solve. This book is a realistic novel, so there are no ghosts in this one.

You can find more info on the Trace at www.scenictrace.com

Rae Ann Parker lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her family. When she is not writing or reading, she enjoys exploring the Natchez Trace Parkway and playing the piano and violin. The Devil’s Backbone is her first novel. For more information about the author, visit www.raeannparker.com