by Karen Rouse, Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Published on 1999-08-22, Page 1, Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Copyright (C) August 22, 1999, Star-Telegram. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission of the Star-Telegram. Any unauthorized reproduction of this article is strictly prohibited. For reprint information, contact the Star-Telegram at 817-390-7574.

Sheri Hollan knew that slavery still existed when she began researching the topic as the backdrop for her first novel. But she expected cases to be few. Then she learned that in Sudan - an East African nation involved in a 16-year civil war - she could buy a child for $50. The 27-year-old Grand Prairie massage therapist and writer was outraged. Now Hollan carries a new title - abolitionist.