This coming-of-age novel is a historical f iction piece that follows the life of June Ellen\, a ten-year-old girl liv ing in Paris\, Arkansas\, during the late 1940s. With a blend of humor and depth\, she embodies both naivety and insight as she navigates the changi ng dynamics of coal mining families in the region following World War II. The narrative draws inspiration from the author's own family history\, enr iching the story with authentic experiences and emotions.
\nBook wil l be available for sale and signing.
\nPe ggy Konert\, born in Fort Smith\, attended the University of Arkansas and the University of Kansas. She grew up with nearly 100 cousins in small Ger man-Catholic communities in Arkansas&rsquo\;s River Valley\, inspired by s tories of her grandfather\, a coal miner who died of Black Lung. A former Vista Volunteer\, truck driver\, food service director\, adjunct professor \, and clinical social worker\, she is also an author\, master gardener\, and world traveler. Peggy lives on an urban farm in Fayetteville\, AR. Her debut novel\, A Shine of Coal\, starring June Ellen\, is her first publis hed work and won the Arkansas SCBWI First Pages Contest in 2019.
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