What do you think?
Rate this book
Windfork Secrets
6th Grader Diona McBride just wanted an A+ on a school report—and had to interview a “little old lady” to get it. But Nessy Scanlon’s not your average “little old lady,” and her stories are no addle-minded snoozers. Together the two actually re-write their small town’s history, shattering commonly-held "truths" about some of its most notorious incidents, and exploding the mystery of its infamous, creepy “bogeyman” legends.“A thought-provoking ...historical novel for kids and adults alike...beautifully and skillfully written.” Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards Review; 2000.- "A suspenseful story that takes the reader on a journey to the darker side..."- "...meant for young adults, but everyone can enjoy."- "...a book to read in one sitting!"From five-star reader reviews on Amazon.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1998
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Lee Tidball
9 books6 followersLee Tidball is a published author and optioned, award-winning screenwriter branded in broad audience and genre fiction, especially stories which feature children and young people. He's also written or co-written two novels strictly for adult audiences.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Lee served hundreds of young students, athletes, and performers in his 3-decade-long career as a middle-grades public school teacher, non-profit athletics coach and children's theater director. It is from these many experiences with children and young adults that he draws much inspiration for his various writing projects and the characters that populate them.
Lee currently writes from his home in northern California where he lives with his wife Cynthia, who is also a teacher. Besides writing and marketing his projects, Lee enjoys movies, riding his Giant road bike, watching sports, history, and traveling to scenic and/or historical places both in the US and around the world.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Lee served hundreds of young students, athletes, and performers in his 3-decade-long career as a middle-grades public school teacher, non-profit athletics coach and children's theater director. It is from these many experiences with children and young adults that he draws much inspiration for his various writing projects and the characters that populate them.
Lee currently writes from his home in northern California where he lives with his wife Cynthia, who is also a teacher. Besides writing and marketing his projects, Lee enjoys movies, riding his Giant road bike, watching sports, history, and traveling to scenic and/or historical places both in the US and around the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 11, 2014
I began reading this book not sure what to expect. It sounded interesting from the synopsis. I did not expect the wonderful story that I read.
Diona wants to have an amazing paper. There is a legend in her small town in Wyoming of the "Wildmen". Wildmen have long hair. They kidnap and eat people who venture into their territory. Legend is that there are a few people who have come across them and lived. She wants to research them and discover if they are real, or just a legend to scare children.
Her school teachers sends her to see an older woman living in a nursing home. He told her that if anyone would know about the wildmen, Nessy would.
The book is told as an oration from Nessy's memory. There are moments where Diona interacts with her family and friends.
This book captured my attention and imagination in an instant. The written is skilled in telling a story. The book flowed at a rapid pace. It never got dull or boring. Lee Tidball was a teacher for middle grade students. It is apparent that he knows how to write to them and for them. It is also a fun book for adults.
There is mild swearing in the book.
Diona wants to have an amazing paper. There is a legend in her small town in Wyoming of the "Wildmen". Wildmen have long hair. They kidnap and eat people who venture into their territory. Legend is that there are a few people who have come across them and lived. She wants to research them and discover if they are real, or just a legend to scare children.
Her school teachers sends her to see an older woman living in a nursing home. He told her that if anyone would know about the wildmen, Nessy would.
The book is told as an oration from Nessy's memory. There are moments where Diona interacts with her family and friends.
This book captured my attention and imagination in an instant. The written is skilled in telling a story. The book flowed at a rapid pace. It never got dull or boring. Lee Tidball was a teacher for middle grade students. It is apparent that he knows how to write to them and for them. It is also a fun book for adults.
There is mild swearing in the book.
November 14, 2013
One of the most popular books that I ever read to my 6th grade students every year for over ten years, this was also regularly in the Top Ten list of books checked out of my K-6 school's library as well. This is a brand new edition of my first and most loved novel. You can't go wrong getting this for your middle-grades (4-8) child--or for yourself as well, as I've also had many parents read this right along with their kids and tell me how much they enjoyed it. As the Writers' Digest review commented way back in 2000, this is most definitely "an interesting and thought-provoking historical novel for kids and adults alike...beautifully and skillfully written." Don't miss it!
August 19, 2011
This suspenseful story of a young boy who doesn't fit in to his new hometown takes the reader on a journey to the darker side - the book jacket suggests The Blair Witch Project. I, however, didn't see anything to cringe about in the story. Well written, based on a local legend, it was meant for young adults but everyone can enjoy the story.
Also recommended: Honeysuckle Hill (another local legend brought to life).
Also recommended: Honeysuckle Hill (another local legend brought to life).
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews