SummerWild: The Adventures of Buddy Williams Book 1
Kenneth William Budd

Book review by Sonja Herter
"The Adventures of Buddy Williams Book 1" is the first in a series written by Kenneth William Budd, a former teacher and resident from Brooks, Alta. "SummerWild" is to be followed by Book 2, "FallGently" in May 2012 Book 3, "WinterFree," and Book 4, "SpringRush,"will in the not-too-distant future.
"SummerWild," a soft-covered 206-page novel, takes place on the Prairies during the 1950s. In the introduction Jared, a 14-year-old boy, is sent by his mother to spend some time with an uncle and aunt he had never met and they have no children. While there, the young lad is given binders to read which reveal his uncle's childhood. Buddy's simple adventures begin with a special summer at Pelican Lake.
The time is 1953. Buddy recalls the previous summer when two of his friends lost their lives at the lake, but although it brings back a sad feeling, his own adventures through the summer expose him to new experiences, some misfortunes and anxious moments. This is a typical 'boy's' book where Buddy, age 10, soon to be 11, and his best friends Mokey and Riel have their explorations. The family cottage and boat house are home for the summer. Mainly it is Nan, the grandmother, Buddy, his younger sister Pearl, and cousin Maisie who spend time there. The others, including Gramp, his mother and Aunt Bud come when work allows and occasionally Uncle Dan and Aunt Tootsie expose Buddy to other new happenings. For a young boy, there are lessons learned about life, sometimes from the most unexpected individuals.
The book is an easy read especially for Grades 5 to 8. It comes with a student/teacher study guide written by Kenneth William Budd and Robert David Marthaller. As a former teacher myself, it would be a great supplementary reading book especially for a student who needs help in comprehension. The variety of activities which go with each chapter further enhance the learning process in reading and writing. This novel exposes the reader to creative ways of expressing thoughts with the use of different imagined figures of speech.
"SummerWild" is available at Chapters Bookstores in the Local Interest section and online at www.summerwild.ca. Enjoy the read, It will bring back memories for those who are older and draw attention to the way life was in the '50s for the present young people.