The Emperor's Regret
Author Barbara A. Pierce was born in Memphis, Tennessee where she lived before moving with her family at an early age to New York City. She attended junior high there, then high school in Mount Vernon, New York where she received an excellent education.

After graduating, she held a job for two and a half years as a telephone operator until entering Cheyney State College (now known as the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania), where she received her Bachelor of Science in education. Her career as an elementary school teacher began in Mount Vernon in 1968 and lasted for thirty-five years. It was during that time she pursued and earned a Master's Degree in education and reading. After retiring in 2003, the author returned to teaching as a substitute for a few years, and also pursued her dream of writing books for young people. When asked about the highlights of her career, she cites educating children as one of the most important aspects of her career. She says she would like to think she had been a beacon of light and a source of inspiration for all of her students to pursue their own professional and personal goals. The author credits her faith in God for her success. In recognition of her service in the school system, Ms. Pierce received the Jenkins Award from the Parent-Teacher Association of Mount Vernon.