Sandra Belton is the author of many books of fiction, including the Ernestine & Amanda series, McKendree, Pictures for Miss Josie, and Store-Bought Baby. Her first book for children, From Miss Ida's Porch, was called "a powerful debut" by Publishers Weekly in 1993. Belton grew up in Beckley, West Virginia, a town she describes as having wonderful porches--porches being a common theme in many of her stories. Belton graduated from Howard University and got her graduate degree in education from The George Washington University. Find out more online at ErnestineandAmanda.com and SandraBelton.com.