Hardy Belch is a 12 year old boy with an unusual companion, Tiny, a 140 pound telepathic dog. A mysterious, missing gold train provides a treasure hunt for Tiny and Hardy. Over one hundred years after a gold train goes missing, Hardy and Tiny find them selves knee deep in swamp muck trying to help a friend save his farm.
About the Author: The author's diverse careers and his roles as a husband, father and grandfather are what has motivated his writing. He is someone who cares about the people around him, who wants to improve the society we all live in, who hopes on a daily basis to leave the planet a little better than it was the previous day and who is cognizant that the impact he has on the world is minimal. Tilting at windmills is a major part of his character as is a deep love for all those who need to be loved. In his own mind he is a complex, multi-layered, unique character in the kaleidoscoping drama of life. Most of my writing deals with social issues that I feel need addressed. My feelings are generally worn boldly on my sleeves and that is how I address social issues. Parents that travel or are deployed, domestic abuse, feelings of alienation, bullies, blindness, stepmothers, the demise of pets are all things that I have addressed or plan on addressing in my books. My target market is children. This is most likely due to my personal unwillingness to accept all aspects of maturity. What kids feel and understand is often grossly underestimated. I have hopes of providing kids with some help in dealing with social issues that many of them face. Most of all I hope to write things that kids will want to read. As our society becomes more and more technical there is one old skill that is increasing in demand, the ability to read and to comprehend what you read. The ability to read a book certainly provides you with the ability to read a technical manual or to read the text on a LCD screen whether it is on your computer or your cellular phone. Reading for enjoyment not only broadens the mind, it can decrease stress and make life more enjoyable. Success is measured in many ways. I felt successful in my working life whether it was slinging baloney, teaching or fixing computers. When I had a 7 year old approach me and tell me she loved my book I truly felt I was an author. My goal as an author isn't selling a lot of books. My goal is to touch children's lives and help them live life a little better. Education: B.S. Comprehensive Social Sciences M.Ed in Student Personnel Services 30 Post graduate credits in Counseling Psychology Certified Secondary School Guidance Pennsylvania Department of Education National Drug Institute Community Drug Program Development