Juvenile stories by W L Heath
W L Heath is known for his suspense novels and southern literature, but he also wrote several children's books. Violent Saturday is a suspense novel based around a bank robbery in a small, southern town. Ill Wind and A Hackamore Saga are classified as southern literature, with a focus on character development and human relations. But he also wrote juvenile books that illustrate his broad range of talent.
Max the Great and Most Valuable Player were originally published as short stories. Later in his career my father expanded these stories for the children's market. Max the Great has a nostalgic feel for life in a small southern town, with rich characters and an entertaining plot. Most Valuable Player was written when my brothers and I were in high school. This story perfectly captures those awkward adolescence years.
The Earthquake Man is a fanstasy story, with an ambiguous time and setting. But the concept is fascinating and there is a lot of symbolism and depth that goes well beyond the basic story.
Darby's Folly is a whimsical story told from the perspective of J. D. Dawkins, a ground hog. For a long time the only inhabitants of Darby’s Folly, an abandoned farm, have been J.D. and the little creatures of the woods and thickets who are his friends. But everything changes when someone purchases and starts renovating the farm. This is a story that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. If you have small children or grandchildren, this is a great book to read to them.
