Turbulent winds from an approaching tropical storm snatch an acorn from the safety of an oak tree and deposit it on the shore during the night. The acorn risks being washed away into the ocean or being eaten by a seagull before it’s rescued by Hatokwassi, a Kiawah Indian.
She tucks the acorn safely away in her pouch, carries it back to her village, and lovingly plants it in her garden. Hatokwassi imagines it as a gift for her village, praying for the branches to shade the garden, the boughs to provide a playground for the children, and the seeds to offer food for the squirrels.
A picture book for children, One Acorn’s Journey narrates the story of the Angel Oak, the oldest living oak tree in the United States located in Charleston, South Carolina.
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Raised in southeastern North Carolina, Rhonda has lived in the Low country of South Carolina since 1980. She married her high school sweetheart over 40 years ago and together they have a son and a grandchild.
Rhonda was a stay-at-home mom until her son began school. She then became active in PTA and as a substitute teacher. Encouraged by her husband, Rhonda completed her undergraduate work at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, where she graduated with a BS in Elementary Education in1994. Rhonda then went on to receive her National Board certification as a Middle Childhood Generalist and received her MA in English from a joint program with The College of Charleston and the Citadel in 2005.
Rhonda teaches fourth grade GATE in North Charleston, SC. She was also an adjunct professor for the English Department at Trident Technical College. Edwards is a Fellow of the Charleston Area Writing Project (CAWP), having received this honor the summer of 1994. Being a part of the writing project was one of the best summers Rhonda ever spent. She was able to nurture her love for writing among a supportive encouraging group of fellow teachers/writers.
Living on 40 acres with her family, Rhonda enjoys gardening and getting to know the many animals on the homestead. She raises chickens, goats, and ducks along with her two dogs. Rhonda’s hobbies include walking the shoreline, searching for shells, looking and checking on loggerhead turtle nests, and enjoying the calming beauty of the ocean.