In May 1952 the only thing the twins wanted, was to finish the fourth grade and start their summer vacation. Charles and James Walker, better known as Charley and Jimbo, were like most nine-year-olds. They were anxious to forget school, books and lessons and plunge head long into a summer of fun.
And that's just how their summer started until their dog, Buddy, began digging in the creek bank. Jimbo, the curious one, went to see what his dog found so interesting. That's when he uncovered something amazing. From then on the summer of fun became a summer of surprise, mystery and, at times, frustration.
At first they tried to keep secret what Jimbo had unearthed. However when their Grandpa Robert Boyer, found his grain bucket in the tree house, the very bucket where the boys had hidden their booty, the secret was lost.
When Mary saw the things her sons had hidden, she was upset. Dwayne, the boys' stepfather, got excited. Robert and Sarah, Mary's parents and grandparents to the boys, were confused. The brother's two-year-old sister, Katy, could care less but their great-grandfather, Jonah Boyer, or Papa Jo as he was known, got very quiet and very worried.
Once the family knew what had been found, it wasn't long before others were made aware of the brothers' discovery. By the end of the summer anybody that could read a newspaper knew the story of a union soldier killed in a landslide and about the boys who found him. But none of readers knew, nor did any of those close to the situation know, how to resolve the mystery of his origins.
For Charley and Jimbo it was an exciting adventure and without realizing it, their knowledge of history expanded dramatically. They learned more than a few facts about the Missouri/Kansas Border War, Slavery, the Civil War, World War II, the history of their farm, archeology, and most importantly, they discovered their heritage and how it was related to all they had learned. But there was still one more mystery to be solved.
About the Author :
David C. Yocum was born in St. Louis, Missouri but a city boy he was not. He loved the outdoors and the Missouri woods. His family's frequent trips to the country around Warrenton encouraged that love. While in Missouri, he attended Heoch Junior High and later, Ritenour Senior High School. When he and his family moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, he attended then graduated from Bonneville High School. After graduation, he attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho earning an Associate Degree in Elementary Education. It was also there he met and married Glenna Despain, from Kennewick, Washington. After signing his first teaching contract with the Rexford School District, the couple moved to Rexford, Montana where he taught fifth and sixth grades for two years. The couple then moved to Logan, Utah to attend Utah State University where Mr. Yocum earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. He began writing short stories in 1988, sharing them with friends and family. Many of his stories were about his early years roaming the creeks and woods of Missouri and his adventures with the Boy Scouts. Glenna, his wife of forty-nine years, supported and encouraged his writing while raising the couples seven children. Now, the proud grandparents of twenty-three grandchildren try to keep up with their far-flung family, which is scattered from Graceland to Disneyland. The couple now lives in Missouri where Mr. Yocum plans to continue writing and enjoying Missouri's back wood attractions.
Review :
By NAN on January 1, 2016 - Teaches cherished values and tolerance which makes it a pleasant read for both young and older readers alike. Loved how the author told the twins' frog story. Also, appreciated the way the author represents the North and South coming together in friendship in the end through the examples set by Papa Joe and Lizzy. Overall good read. I bought the book for each of my grown children's families to share. The author seems genuine and should continue to write more stories.
By Karalee Whittonon September 10, 2015 - Finders Seekers by DC Yocum is a two Kleenex book with a lot of laughter in between. The flow of the story is very good. It keeps you involved from beginning to end. The multi-generation story line are well developed, especially the twin boys. Each person adding to the story, and all tied together in the last two chapters. Thank you DC Yocum for a very enjoyable read.
By Robert A. Greene on April 5, 2015 - Very good read. The book takes you into the past and then pulls you into the present through the eyes of youth. Highly recommend for both adults and young readers.
