Lizzie’s Up Her Tree
In “Lizzie’s Up Her Tree,” Joy Wiley brings to life the enchanting journey of a young girl named Lizzie, who discovers the magic of her family’s past nestled within the branches of an old oak tree. Inspired by her deep-seated passion for genealogy and years of dedication to children’s education, Wiley crafts a tale that intertwines adventure with learning. As Lizzie climbs her way through the tree’s branches, she encounters generations of family stories, each branch revealing a new ancestor with a unique story to tell. This narrative not only captures the imagination of young readers but also plants the seeds of curiosity about their own family histories.
The inspiration for this book struck Wiley during a serendipitous dinner with her friend Linda, just before she was to lead a genealogy workshop at the Clyde Public Library. Reflecting on her 44 years of family research and her tenure at the Abilene Public Library, Wiley recognized the profound impact that understanding one’s roots can have on children. She envisioned Lizzie as a beacon for young readers, guiding them through the branches of their family trees and helping them to see the importance of preserving their heritage. This book is a testament to Wiley’s lifelong passion for books and her commitment to nurturing a love for history in the hearts of the young.
Through Lizzie’s whimsical journey, Wiley imparts a powerful message: the stories of our ancestors are not just relics of the past but are integral to understanding who we are today. Lizzie’s adventures encourage children to delve into their own genealogies, fostering a sense of identity and continuity. By blending an engaging narrative with the educational elements of genealogy, “Lizzie’s Up Her Tree” becomes more than just a story—it’s a call to action for the younger generation to become the keepers of their family’s history. With a heartwarming twist at the end, Lizzie’s story leaves readers with a renewed appreciation for the past and an eagerness to discover more about their own family stories.
Joy Wiley, a distinguished author of children’s books such as “Lizzie’s Up Her Tree” and “Ghost Of Families Past,” has made a profound impact both in literature and library sciences. After nearly nine years of dedicated service, she retired from her position as Library Assistant at the Abilene Public Library. Joy’s expertise in genealogy, honed through specialized courses at Angelina College and numerous workshops, positioned her as a highly sought-after lecturer. She led various workshops and college-accredited courses, sharing her knowledge with the broader community, including surrounding libraries and organizations. Her involvement extended to esteemed memberships in the West Texas Genealogy Society, the San Angelo Genealogical and Historical Society, and the Texas State Genealogical Society, where she earned recognition as a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and received the First Families of Texas Certificate.
In retirement, Joy embraced her passion for travel, exploring historical landmarks across the United States. She visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, the Belmont Mansion in Nashville, TN, and several historical homes in Natchez, MS. Her adventures also included a festive Christmas tour in Branson, MO, a scenic motor trip to Las Vegas, NV, with stops at the Grand Canyon and various Route 66 attractions, and numerous shorter journeys within Texas. These travels allowed Joy to deepen her appreciation of American history and architecture, which often inspired elements of her writing and lectures.
Residing in Clyde, TX, near Abilene, Joy enjoys a fulfilling life surrounded by family. She is a proud mother of three, grandmother of six, and great-grandmother of three, with another great-grandchild on the way. Joy cherishes her time at home, tending to her yard, and relaxing on her patio, but her love for travel continues to call her to new adventures. Balancing her domestic life with her wanderlust, Joy Wiley exemplifies the harmony of a rich, multifaceted life devoted to family, history, and storytelling.
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