Peggy Konert has penned a coming-of-age novel revolving around 10-year-old June

Ellen, set in late 1940s Arkansas. The defunct coal mining industry creates the tale's

backdrop for spunky June Ellen and her painful struggles with the changing social and

economic milieu post-World War II. Her father has Black Lung Disease. He and Mama

must fend off the mercenary Mr. Mackey's efforts to take over the Shoal Creek Mine-

which would bring the entire rural community to its knees. The mine is a paradox,

killing the miners yet providing their livelihood. Konert's novel is rich in period detail,

with hardscrabble folks as varied as the Ouachita hills and hollows. A reading treasure for

historical fiction bibliophiles.