Annette LaFortune Murray: Bringing Route 66 History to Life
With Route 66’s centennial celebration underway, there’s no better time to learn about the people who helped make America’s most famous highway a reality. In her new children’s book, Meet Cyrus Avery, Father of Route 66: The Dreamer Who Brought the World to His Town, Tulsa author Annette LaFortune Murray introduces young readers to the visionary often called the “Father of Route 66” and hopes to inspire them to discover the history behind the Mother Road.
TK: What is it about Route 66 that fascinates you so much?
Annette: I like to call Route 66 a “linear classroom,” which is a phrase I borrowed from historian Michael Wallis. Every mile teaches you something. You meet new people, learn about different communities and even interact with international travelers who come from around the world to experience America’s most famous highway.
I’ve traveled the entire route three times, and I never get tired of it. I enjoy visiting museums, talking to people and always learn something new. Route 66 is history, education and adventure all rolled into one!
TK: Why was it important for you to write a book about Cyrus Avery?
Annette: Cyrus Avery was a hidden hero. That’s a term librarians often use when introducing children to important people whose stories aren’t widely known. He was instrumental in connecting roads across the country and helping travelers move safely from east to west.
What amazes me is that he had no idea how much his work would influence tourism, businesses and communities along the route. He simply wanted to create a better transportation system. Instead, he helped create the magic that millions of people have experienced on Route 66 for generations.
I wanted children to know that one person truly can make a difference.
TK: You’ve written four books in six years. Tell us about your publishing journey.
Annette: The publishing journey definitely has a learning curve, but it isn’t impossible. I started my own company, Tulsa Whimsy Press, and learned each step of the process—from hiring illustrators and editors to formatting and uploading books for publication.
The marketing side was something completely new for me. I took Zoom classes, interviewed other authors, joined groups and asked lots of questions. Where do you get business cards? How do you upload videos? How do you promote your work? You simply keep learning and building your network.
There are expenses involved, and it can feel overwhelming at first, but if you’re willing to learn and connect with others, you absolutely can do it.
TK: What do you hope young readers take away from your books?
Annette: I hope they learn that history is exciting and that research can be fun. The Cyrus Avery book includes timelines, historical influences and additional information that children can use as part of their learning experiences.
Children as young as 6 or 7 years old are learning to research, and I wanted to create something that supports that curiosity while making history come alive.
TK: What other books have you written besides your Route 66 series?
Annette: I have two additional children’s books that focus on social-emotional learning.
One is Cecil’s New Tricks, about a little dog in Paris who learns how to respond to bullies and build confidence. The story teaches children healthy ways to communicate and become brave.
The second follows a young hip-hop dancer who struggles with stage fright. He learns breathing techniques and strategies for managing his nerves before performing. The story reminds children—and adults—that even talented people experience fear and can learn ways to overcome it.
TK: What are you passionate about right now?
Annette: I’m fascinated by the Harvey Girls and the women known as the Couriers. These women helped bring hospitality, entertainment and cultural experiences to travelers throughout the Southwest during the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s.
They were highly educated, beautifully dressed, and served as guides who introduced visitors to Native American art, jewelry, weaving and traditions. There were more than 15,000 Harvey Girls across the country, and I believe their stories deserve to be better known. I’m doing a lot of research right now, and while there isn’t a new book yet, I know there’s more to discover.
Find Annette online:
- AnnetteMurrayBooks.com
- Instagram: @author_annette_murray
Learn More
Check out the Sharing Passion and Purpose Podcast on your favorite podcasting platform or directly at NancyMoore.co/podcast to hear and watch Nancy Moore’s visit with Annette LaFortune Murray.
Nancy A. Moore is an adjunct professor at Tulsa Community College and has been a writer for TulsaKids for more than 20 years. Her podcast, Sharing Passion and Purpose, can be found on most podcasting platforms or on NancyMoore.co.
