A Boy. A Story.

"Friends like us only happen on purpose."The four stories of this series A Boy. A Story. are set in rural Arkansas in Hot Spring County. This historical fiction series takes the reader from 1925-1937 as the boy Farrell grows into a young man. Glimpses into the past reveal images of the Great Depression, steam engine locomotives, a one-room schoolhouse, President Franklin D. Roosevelt's visit to this community, plowing furrows with mules and horses, the Civilian Conservation Corp program, a soup kitchen that makes deliveries, and Civil War legends.Growing up during the Great Depression was not easy, but Farrell's experiences with animals made it enjoyable. Along the way, he has encounters with Rosie, the pig; Butty Bill, his pet goat; Charlie the horse, and his pet owl Wisey. His experiences with these animals teach him valuable lessons....lessons about life and about God. Rosie represents trust and faith; Butty Bill represents friendship and loyalty; Charlie represents hard work and confidence; and Wisey represents family, choices, and sacrifice.Young and old will enjoy the simplicity of the stories. As the reader travels back in time, he will see the pursuit of the American Dream in action. Hard work and determination and faith and trust in God are central themes throughout the four stories. Each book has illustrations by the author, bold-faced historical or colloquial words defined in the glossary, and photos at the end from the original Richardson family albums. Read more