Girl Under Construction

In an age when children are more likely to be mesmerized by electronics than roused to catch night crawlers in the cemetery, Girl Under Construction recaptures, through the innocent eyes of a five year old, the hands-on life of the 1930s. This creative nonfiction memoir offers readers the charming view of a portion of a life-namely, the author's adventure-filled childhood and inspiring relationship with her grandfather, known throughout the story as Grampa. In palpable detail, Joyce Ward recounts the struggles and triumphs of that delicate age, when she was unknowingly building the foundation of the woman she would one day become. Despite a home with a heavy-drinking father and a self-absorbed mother, Ward was always able to find a friend and confidant in Grampa, a hard-working and tough-talking character who did his best to keep her out of harm's way. Against all odds, Grampa worked his way out of the blackened tunnels of the coalmines and into the blue skies and fresh air of his own fishing business at Lake Erie. This determined mentality made an unmistakable impression on young Ward, who would do just about anything to stay by his side and learn his skills. This artfully told story also puts a name and a voice to many historic Pennsylvania events, from the Kinloch coalmine disaster in Parnassus, to the St, Patrick's Day flood of the Allegheny, to life on Ferncliffe Beach on the shores of Lake Erie. The authentic first-hand account of life during the Great Depression makes the story a must-read for any history buff. A hilarious and heartfelt story demonstrating the importance of early childhood experiences, Girl Under Construction is an exploration of the crucial bond between a grandparent and grandchild. While reading about Grampa's fresh baked bread, Calliope the parrot, seafaring stories, and experiencing a whole rainbow of other emotions and events, readers may find themselves reaching for their own early memories, regardless of age or generation.