Hesba Stretton, the pen name of Sarah Smith, was an evangelical English author known for her religious books for children. Born on July 27, 1832, in Wellington, Telford, United Kingdom, Stretton became famous for her moral and spiritually-oriented tales, which resonated deeply with her audience. Her most well-known work, Jessica's First Prayer, was highly successful and sold over a million and a half copies by the late 19th century, far surpassing even Alice in Wonderland in terms of sales. Her works, which often emphasized themes of faith, redemption, and the moral development of young people, became staples of religious literature for children in Victorian England. Throughout her career, Stretton's books were cherished for their ability to instill Christian values in young minds, and her influence grew alongside the rising popularity of evangelical movements. Stretton passed away on October 8, 1911, at the age of 79 in Ham, London. Her legacy endures in the lasting impact of her writings, which continue to be admired for their deep moral insight and dedication to spiritual education.
