Precious McKenzie is an American author who writes books for children as well as poetry and short stories for adults. Ruffian is her debut historical fiction book for middle grades. Precious has a PhD in British Literature and loves those big, fat Victorian novels. She has published over thirty books for children. Her poems have appeared in Gemini Magazine, ellipsis, Sandstone, and as part of Tupelo Press's 30/30 Project. Visit Precious at www.preciousmckenzie.com or on Twitter @PreciousMcKenzi.