PURE TRASH The Story by Bette A. Stevens

The year is 1955. If you grew up in the 1950s and the 1960s, you may be among those who like to recall those good old “Happy Days” of television fame. Even younger generations enjoy watching the old TV reruns to get a peek into what life was like back then. In this short story, Shawn and Willie Daniels are off on a Saturday adventure in search of trash to turn into treasure. It is going to be a great day. Shawn is sure of it. No school and no bullies to remind him that he’s not one of the crowd. This is a story about bullies and what it’s like to be bullied. It may redefine your definition of bullying. If you were a child who was thought of as “different” in some way, you know what bullying is about: torment, persecution, intimidation, to name a few of its synonyms. For Shawn and Willie, their difference was based upon the social status of a dysfunctional family and the alcoholism and abject poverty in which they grew up.

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Review

"This short story is filled with images and flavor only better provided by an ice cream cone...PURE TRASH gives the reader pause for thought, and I recommend it to the adult reader and the YA reader alike. " Kathryn Elizabeth Jones, author of fiction & non-fiction

"Shawn and Willie live in the woods. Their family doesn't have indoor water or a flush toilet yet, but they do have a TV. The boys plan a great day together. Activities on the agenda are straight out of the nineteen fifties.
   "On the other hand, the ugliness of human nature displayed here could be from any era, as the judgmental neighbors and degrading torments that come from others could take place in present time as well as way back then.
   "Young adults and Middle grade children will find this book to be an enjoyable quick read. Most children and adults as well can identify with the emotion displayed here. We have all felt the sting of degrading remarks targeted at us for no other reason than another wants to shower their meanness in order to satisfy their own judgmental spirit.
   "Find out how a wonderful day takes a few twists and turns, how others can destroy the joy in your life, but only if you allow them, and how those who have little can still rise above those who think they are superior.
   "Shawn and Willie are two delightful young boys who lift your spirits and let you know life is all in the way you look at it.
   "Written by Bette A. Stevens; this is a book near and dear to my heart.  I give it five ***** stars."
This book has been reviewed by Susan Hornbach, author of children's literature.

About the Author

Bette A. Stevens is the author of two children's books: A children's activity book, The Tangram Zoo and Word Puzzles Too! and the award-winning picture book, AMAZING MATILDA: A Monarch's Tale. PURE TRASH, The Story is her first book for the Middle-grade/YA/Adult audience. This short story is a 1950s adventure featuring nine-year-old Shawn Daniels and his brother Willie. It is a prequel to her upcoming debut novel.