Welcome to the world of Annie McRae!
Annie rides again, and this time she’s got more dreams than she can handle. Eight-year-old Annie McRae is one of the brightest second graders at her school. She loves writing, dancing, doing math--and lots more. Each time she declares what she wants to be when she grows up she is met with the encouraging words, “There’s always a way, Annie McRae!” At least that’s what happens until her list becomes too long.Then her friend warns her that she can’t do everything. Annie has a hard time trying to decide which dreams she can live without until her dad helps her take life one day at a time. It’s a heartwarming tale that is sure to lead you down happy trails!
Brad Wilcox began writing There’s Always a Way, Annie McRae! after his first Annie book Hip, Hip, Hooray for Annie McRae! was selected as a finalist for the Utah Beehive Award. He and his editor brainstormed possible titles for a new adventure for Annie including Have a Good Day, Annie McRae! and You’re A-okay, Annie McRae! They finally settled on There’s Always a Way, Annie McRae! and Brad began writing about Annie not being able to decide what she wants to be—a common problem for his own children. He knew he had settled on a good idea when he received a letter from a second grader in Florida named Alex who wrote, “I think your book was cool, but you should write another about a kid who doesn’t know what he wants to be when he grows up.”
He teamed up again with illustrator Julie Olson who also illustrated his first Annie book. She had fun creating the illustrations which include a “hidden” boot for children to find on each page. She also drew the principal to resemble the real Dr. Nancy Livingston, a friend and colleague of Brad’s at BYU. Although she has never been a principal as portrayed in the book, she is a beloved Utah educator who has spent her career helping teachers become better and promoting literacy all across the world.
The final pages of the book include encouragement and advice for students writing their own books. Examples are given from the text that demonstrate the traits of quality writing and how Brad made many revisions throughout the writing process. These pages provide teachers and parents with wonderful opportunities to help children learn.
 Brad and Dr. Nancy Livingston who is portrayed in the new book. |
 Brad and Julie looking at proofs for the new book. |
For information about the first Annie McRae Book, click here.