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The Younger Days
Even a decade after the Civil War, the evil deeds carried out in the Border War for "Bloody" Kansas are not forgotten. Hate and revenge still rule the hearts of some, while others wish only to forget and disappear.
In the beginning, Boy Smyth has a dull Missouri farm life and a burning desire to be an outlaw like his hero, Cole Younger.
In the end, Boy Smyth has five dead bodies and two burning buildings at his farm and the most feared man in the United States crying outside his front gate.
And that desire for the outlaw life? It's purged completely from his system.
In the beginning, Boy Smyth has a dull Missouri farm life and a burning desire to be an outlaw like his hero, Cole Younger.
In the end, Boy Smyth has five dead bodies and two burning buildings at his farm and the most feared man in the United States crying outside his front gate.
And that desire for the outlaw life? It's purged completely from his system.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2012
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 22, 2013
Sometimes a son is exactly like his father. Other times a son seems to have nothing in common with his father except for the same name. Eleven-year-old William Smyth, Jr., AKA Boy Smyth is embarrassed by his father. Why does his pa make the sign of the cross at the big stone at the gate to their farmhouse where he had carved words from the book of Jeremiah? And why does Pa argue with the townspeople that the James-Younger Gang members are just thieves when most everyone else in town considers them heroes?
THE YOUNGER DAYS, a MG/Tween historical novella by Author Mike Hays, set in 1874, ten years after the end of the Civil War, is a story of secrets and truth, mistakes and forgiveness. When two riders, one of them badly wounded, show up at the Smyth’s farmhouse one evening, Boy Smyth’s courage and faith in his father are severely tested. His mother also has a surprise or two for her son. When family secrets are revealed, will they bring the Smyth family closer together, or will they split them apart?
The author has written a story that will appeal to history lovers (like me), as well as to fathers and sons that may see each other in a new way, the way Boy and Pa do when the truth is finally revealed. And don’t forget Ma. She’s a spunky woman who gives us a look at the courage of a woman in the 1800s, willing to risk her life for her family. I don’t know what grades study the 1800s and Civil War, but school libraries and classrooms should have copies of THE YOUNGER DAYS to supplement their lessons on the time period. Of course, your own private library needs a copy too. A nice addition to historical literature, blending fiction and history.
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THE YOUNGER DAYS, a MG/Tween historical novella by Author Mike Hays, set in 1874, ten years after the end of the Civil War, is a story of secrets and truth, mistakes and forgiveness. When two riders, one of them badly wounded, show up at the Smyth’s farmhouse one evening, Boy Smyth’s courage and faith in his father are severely tested. His mother also has a surprise or two for her son. When family secrets are revealed, will they bring the Smyth family closer together, or will they split them apart?
The author has written a story that will appeal to history lovers (like me), as well as to fathers and sons that may see each other in a new way, the way Boy and Pa do when the truth is finally revealed. And don’t forget Ma. She’s a spunky woman who gives us a look at the courage of a woman in the 1800s, willing to risk her life for her family. I don’t know what grades study the 1800s and Civil War, but school libraries and classrooms should have copies of THE YOUNGER DAYS to supplement their lessons on the time period. Of course, your own private library needs a copy too. A nice addition to historical literature, blending fiction and history.
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December 20, 2012
I loved, and I mean loved this book! Apart from the fact that it held me bound all throughout, the ending made me cry. I was so moved. This is a kid's book, but adults will like it too.
July 7, 2012
Reviewed at: http://www.teachmentortexts.com/2012/...
3.5 stars
Do you know what a Bushwhacker is? Well I didn't until I picked up this book (they are outlaws that fight over disputed land after major conflicts, just FYI. Jesse James was one.). I knew going it that it took place 10 years after the Civil War, but I didn't know much else. So, when I began reading and Boy Smyth started talking about Bushwhackers and Cole Younger and train robberies I was intrigued. I immediately wanted to know what the history was and what the fiction was, so I jumped on the computer and did about 30 minutes of side research- this time period is so interesting! I had no idea that this border war continued for years after the end of the Civil War.
Once my background knowledge was sufficiently built, I jumped back into the book. It is not only about the history of border wars and bushwhackers, it is a story about loyalty, family, friendship, revenge, and faith (though not too preachy).
One of the things I liked the most about the book, was the father-son relationship that grew throughout. At the beginning, Boy Smyth didn't not really know his father, but through the events in the book, he became proud of and closer to his father.
And- MAN! Around page 50, just as you think you have the story figured out, something crazy happens! I couldn't stop reading.
3.5 stars
Do you know what a Bushwhacker is? Well I didn't until I picked up this book (they are outlaws that fight over disputed land after major conflicts, just FYI. Jesse James was one.). I knew going it that it took place 10 years after the Civil War, but I didn't know much else. So, when I began reading and Boy Smyth started talking about Bushwhackers and Cole Younger and train robberies I was intrigued. I immediately wanted to know what the history was and what the fiction was, so I jumped on the computer and did about 30 minutes of side research- this time period is so interesting! I had no idea that this border war continued for years after the end of the Civil War.
Once my background knowledge was sufficiently built, I jumped back into the book. It is not only about the history of border wars and bushwhackers, it is a story about loyalty, family, friendship, revenge, and faith (though not too preachy).
One of the things I liked the most about the book, was the father-son relationship that grew throughout. At the beginning, Boy Smyth didn't not really know his father, but through the events in the book, he became proud of and closer to his father.
And- MAN! Around page 50, just as you think you have the story figured out, something crazy happens! I couldn't stop reading.
May 25, 2012
Good read about a period of history that is rarely taught in schools. It's after the border war between Kansas and Missouri. This makes me interested to learn more about this time of history. The Younger Days is for 10-14 years old and told from Boy Smyth's point of view, an 11 year old book. He feels his father is a failure because he does not stand up to the town bully. When Cole and Jim Younger ride on their ranch Boy's eyes are opened. They are his heroes along with Butcher Bryant, one of Quantrill's Raiders inner circle. His father does not fit into that group. After helping the Youngers and them leaving, strangers come to the farm. This is when Boy learns what his father is made of. It is at this time when Boy learns of his parents' histories. Boy has to learn to keep secrets. He also learns that what you see is not what is real. Boy's dad, William Smyth, needs the faith that Boy has in him at the end to forgive himself and go on. When William has to rely on his past it is not gratuitous violence. It is to protect those he loves. Boy grows up a lot after the incident and sees his father in a new light. The ending is also interesting. I did not expect Boy to turn out as he did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2014
Boy Smyth is sick of his hum-drum life on the farm and yearns for adventure. He is often embarrassed when some of the men in town bully his cowardice father.
Author Mike Hays captures a boy's enthusiasm over meeting two notorious gun slingers. Boy Smyth, however, finds out more than he is prepared to handle.
This book is well-written with tons of action. The author lets us feel fear, joy, and more right along with the young protagonist.
Author Mike Hays captures a boy's enthusiasm over meeting two notorious gun slingers. Boy Smyth, however, finds out more than he is prepared to handle.
This book is well-written with tons of action. The author lets us feel fear, joy, and more right along with the young protagonist.
December 16, 2014
Exciting historical read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews