Happy birthday to Ella Kate Ewing, the Missouri giantess. If you've read Stand Straight, Ella Kate you know how much Sarah and I love the story of the little girl from Rainbow, Missouri, who grew up to live a very BIG life. She stood eight feet, four inches tall in her size 24 shoes. Ella was impressive in other ways, too. While working on this book, I visited Scotland County, Missouri, and talked with people who knew Ella. I also read hundreds of old newspaper articles about her. Everyone always mentioned how kind and generous Ella was. That's the kind of giant I'd like to know. Happy birthday, Ella! I just shared your story with some kids in New York.
