Miss Willie, first published in 1951, is the story of a dedicated teacher who moves to the hills of Kentucky to teach in a one room schoolhouse. Zealously, she tries to change the ways of the stubborn and proud Appalachian people, but to no avail. They listen to her ideas of sanitation and other foolishness because to argue would be rude. But in the end, they quietly go about their accustomed ways.
Ultimately, Miss Willie realizes that the hill customs have a beauty and dignity of their own and that some of her efforts to reform them were ill conceived. Her warmth, generosity, and humor help her bridge the gap and find fulfillment in Piney Ridge. This is a story of reconciliation and the coming together of two different ways of life. Above all, it is a story of people and of the land to which they belong.
You will grow to love Miss Willie and the Appalachian people.Funny and poignant. A remarkable story with great characters.

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"Miss Willie" is a delightful story about a school teacher who moves from a big city to a very small community in the hills of Kentucky. I grew up in the city, I was very moved by the explanation and description of the Appalachian mountains, lifestyles, and cultures. This was a very moving story about accepting and loving other persons and their differences. Easy to read, this book kept me spellbound until I finished it. A real treat for readers of all ages.

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Miss Willie, the second book in the trilogy, is the story of Willie Payne, Mary Hogan Pierce's aunt, who comes to Piney Ridge to teach school and to help the Ridge people have a better way of life. She reveals to the reader that she has another motive for coming to Piney Ridge. She is a lonely person.

It takes a long time for Miss Willie to discover that the Ridge people, whose ways she at first finds appalling, have their own beauty and dignity and that some of her efforts to reform them are ill conceived. Her warmth and generosity and humor help her bridge the gap and find love and fulfillment on Piney Ridge.

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Excellent book for all ages.

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A teacher from Texas goes to the blue ridge mountains to teach. This is in the 1940's. This is a very interesting fun book to read.

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