In this third and final installment of The SideRoad Kids, the boys and girls say goodbye to their childhood. As such, this book contains themes and imagery unsuitable for young audiences. Each of the nine stories is told by one adult character. Blew, Flint, and some of their friends joined the U.S. Army and served their country during the Viet Nam War. When they came home, they realized the war had changed them. They were men now. They had seen death up close and would never be the same. Some coped better than others. Some married, some started families, some divorced. Katie, the most independent of the bunch became a lost soul and spent time in the Peace Corps upon graduating from college. Shirley escaped the confinement of the small country town of Brimley, MI. The gravel road, so familiar to these individuals, was unaware of the turmoil surrounding it. Grass grew, birds sang, and the river kept its secrets.
"Sharon Kennedy, who grew up on the 'SideRoad' has drawn on elements of her own life there and the lives of friends and family to create a collection of stories that is sorrowful and profound. She makes no apologies for the mistakes her characters make but she presents the once-kids with love and sympathy. It presents a moving view and, in many ways, a sharp criticism of a period of American history that will be foreign to many readers. That does not mean they should not read it. To those who were there or knew others who were, it will be a reminder of the way things were, even in such remote places as the SideRoad." -- Jon C. Stott, author of Paul Bunyan in Michigan
"Once again, Kennedy whisks readers into the rural past of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Through beautiful prose and memorable characters, each evocative story, complete in itself, also links to the series as a whole. The author's deft artistry forges visceral and spiritual links that define community. The SideRoad Kids trilogy stands as a celebration of victories despite brokenness, love despite rejection, and forgiveness. These books deserve high praise and elevate Kennedy to a most honored place among Michigan writers." --Sue Harrison, national best-selling author of The Midwife's Touch
Industry Reviews
"Sharon Kennedy gives us a peek into life in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in the 1950s. It was a simpler, less hectic time when kids like Katie, Blew, Squeaky, and Daisy grew up on farms instead of high rises and used their imagination instead of fancy gadgets to make their own fun. An entertaining read for youngsters. And parents, you might enjoy a nostalgic flashback as well. I know I did." -Allia Zobel-Nolan, author of Cat Confessions
"The stories in The SideRoad Kids are often humorous. However, underlying them is a sensitive awareness that being a kid, rural or urban, then or now, is not easy. This is an enjoyable read that will enlighten today's kids about the past and rekindle memories for readers who grew up in the late 1950s." -Jon Stott, author of Paul Bunyan in Michigan
"Over the years, I've read many of Sharon Kennedy's stories. She's an amazing writer who draws you into the lives of her characters and keeps everything relatable. Readers can easily recall similar experiences. She makes you laugh, makes you think, and makes you want to keep reading. The SideRoad Kids is an entertaining book about a group of children growing up in Northern Michigan." -Kortny Hahn, Senior Staff Writer, Cheboygan Daily Tribune
"Sharon's stories capture the essence of childhood and growing up in a small community. The antics of The SideRoad Kids will keep you entertained and take you back to a simpler time. Some of the stories were published in our magazine and were well received by adult readers." -Renee Glass, Senior Production Artist, Mackinac Journal
