Small Town Conflict Teaches Tolerance and Forgiveness in Nostalgic Children's Novel

When a Southerner moves into the small New York town of Bluff Point, anger and resentment arise. Although the Civil War ended thirty years ago, the townspeople are unwilling to welcome their new neighbor. Can Danny teach his neighbors tolerance before more than resentment erupts?

Oro Valley, CA (PRWEB) June 2, 2008 -- What was life really like in the good old days? Author Mary Ellen Lee recalls the late nineteenth century when boys had chores after school, and they rode horses rather than played video games. But life was not perfect--prejudices existed that could destroy a town as nearly happens in "Danny and Life at Bluff Point: The Conflict" (ISBN 9780595448081, iUniverse 2007).

In 1895, young Danny Lee's biggest worry is passing his geography test so he can move on to fourth grade. When he's not at school, he's milking his family's cows, or riding his horse far and wide on his family's errands. This sixth book in the "Danny and Life at Bluff Point" series continues the story of growing up in Bluff Point, New York at the end of the nineteenth century. Each book has challenged Danny with new lessons to learn, and "The Conflict" is no exception.

Bluff Point was a peaceful place until the new neighbor moved in. Mr. Overhouser is from Virginia--the rebel South! The Civil War ended thirty years ago, but the Yankee people of Bluff Point have not forgotten it. Townsfolk even stop going to church just to avoid Mr. Overhouser. When Danny dares to befriend the new neighbor, he finds himself shunned at school. Can Danny convince the townspeople to overcome their prejudices?

Each Danny book provides a valuable lesson, and "The Conflict" is no exception. Danny and his siblings stand up for what they believe in even when it seems the entire town is against them. They learn tolerance and teach it to others. Besides moral lessons, the books teach history lessons. The author knows how to make history fascinating for young readers. The development of the internal combustion engine becomes as exciting in 2008 as it was in 1895.

Mary Ellen Lee based the novels on her grandfather's journals. The Danny books are the "Little House on the Prairie" series for the current generation. The books include wonderful illustrations that aid children's imaginations in an understanding of history. Followers of Danny's adventures gain an appreciation for what was good about the past as well as gratitude for the advantages of the twenty-first century.

About the Author
Mary Ellen Lee and her family have lived in upstate New York for four generations. Keuka Lake is the setting for her historical children's novels and is where both she and her father grew up. The author is an avid reader of nonfiction American history and uses her knowledge to enhance the historical value of her children's books.

"Danny and Life at Bluff Point: The Conflict" (ISBN 9780595448081, iUniverse 2007) can be purchased through www.amazon.com and other online bookstores. For more information, visit www.maryellenlee.com. Publicity contact: www.ReaderViews.com. Review copies available upon request.

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