Nodaway News Leader columnist, Beverly Clinkingbeard, has published her first book, “Chore Boy,” under the childhood and pen name Jeannie Edwards.
“Chore Boy” is about a 10-year-old in the 1930s who works on a neighboring farm. Although it is a fictional story, Clinkingbeard based it on stories from farmers who worked as chore boys.
The illustrator, Fred Weiner, Warrens, WI, accurately portrays each scene with a comical touch.
“Not all chore boys lived in other homes, as does the main character in ‘Chore Boy,’ but would walk to a neighbor’s home to work,” Clinkingbeard said. “It was amazing the responsibility their young shoulders carried. It’s a practice that would be unacceptable to society today. However, when I lived abroad in a third world country, chore boys were quite common.
“Most tellers of their experiences did not complain of the duties expected of them, but of being homesick. Many conceded they’d learned some valuable life lessons from their job, and in many instances, helped in a small way with family finances. I wanted to preserve their stories, hence, ‘Chore Boy.’
“Before publishing, I read ‘Chore Boy’ aloud to my grandsons,” Clinkingbeard continued. “A grandson’s difficulty in reading is what initially prompted my writing, something I’d enjoyed, but not pursued. I have many other unpublished efforts about a farm, the animals, the equipment, etc.
“My childhood and some of my adult life was on a small farm and in a family without brothers we were handy chore girls. The saying, ‘You can take the girl off the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the girl,’ has been uttered a few times on my behalf.
“The book was written for youth, but the old farmers have enjoyed it and it’s really for anyone from eight years to 80 years. Also, it could help young readers understand the experiences of their great-grandparents.”
Clinkingbeard’s articles appear in the Nodaway News Leader and other area publications. Her articles are often about veterans or historical people and events.
“Chore Boy” is available online at jeannieedwards.com and Amazon.com. Purchasers may also mail a $15 check to PO Box 13, Blanchard, IA 51630 or visit the Nodaway News Leader, the Flower Mill in Tarkio or Snodderley Lumber in Clearmont.
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