The Bridge (Paperback or Softback)

Tommy Thompson recalls with vivid detail the summer of 1967 when he was twelve years old and living in a small town in rural America. At that time in his life, all he wanted was a Honda motorbike, and he believed the smartest person in the world was his Uncle Cletus. The Bridge follows Tommy’s summer-long quest for the Honda and his love, Wendy, whom he pursues with the comical romanticism of a young boy.

During the course of the summer, Tommy helps his best friend, Booger, cope with a family tragedy. He is terrorized by Clyde Goodpasture, the biggest bully in the sixth grade, and the town of Colby is shaken by the news that its shoe factory will close. While he isn't a religious child, Tommy faces these challenges armed with the few Bible verses that he knows and the support of his Christian family. Tommy has a knack for doing the right thing and ultimately makes a sacrifice that shows without a doubt that his heart is in the right place.

About the Author
Stan Crader grew up in Bollinger County, Missouri. It wasn't until he spent some time away that he realized what a special place it was. The Bridge is Book One in his Colby series. Books two and three are Paperboy and The Longest Year.