MedlemBillycrossbooks

The Pond depicts a real event that occurred in 1958 in Birmingham, Alabama. This beautifully illustrated book is written in rhyming verse.The story is told through the eyes of Billy, a five year old white child, living in the Deep South. Still six years away from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Alabama and many parts of the United States were still segregated. Blacks and whites could not attend the same schools, churches, theaters, or restaurants.

Billy is now an author of children’s books. He believes his love of rhyme and poetry comes from his mother, Marjorie E. Cross, who wrote rhyming poetry from childhood. Billy was further inspired by the Canadian poet Robert W. Service who, through rhyme, could tell vivid and detailed stories.

The Pond is Billy’s first published book but he has two finished manuscripts forthcoming.