"When I was nine, I learnt what long-suffering means." A slyly funny and heartwarming middle-grade novel for ages 9 to 14 about growing up in rural America in the 1960s. Sarah is thrilled when a simple question to her grandmother reveals a family treasure-a long-lost book of letters her dad wrote about his adventures on the family farm! His genuine words offer her an extraordinary chance to meet the carefree boy he once was, before becoming the amazing father she now knows.
Set in the Midwest United States, this 20th-century historical fiction weaves together subtle humor with classic morals, values, and beliefs. Presented in a diary format, the engaging storytelling sparks a sense of nostalgia by bringing relatable family memories to life. With its playful illustrations, That's How It Was is perfect for tweens and early teens, but it is also a gift that families can enjoy and share across generations.