J. Arthur Moore of Narvon, author of the Civil War series "Journey Into Darkness," has recently published his first new book in six years, and he plans to have another book out later this fall. "West to Freedom," which was released in September, is the story of best friends who in 1862 embark on a journey to free one of them from the bonds of slavery. "Summer in Stewart Creek," due out by early November, transports a young man from his hometown of Baltimore to the fictitious town of Snow Shoe, W.Va., in the summer of 1879.
"West to Freedom," was written prior to 2010. Moore called the 56-page story more of a novella or extended short story than a book. Set in northwest Arkansas, the tale follows Thomas Reynolds and his best friend, Daniel Russell, who was born into slavery. When Thomas learns Daniel is in danger of being sold, he and his father plan to help Daniel escape west to the Cherokee nation. "The story is totally fiction and the only thing I have ever done that directly involves slavery," said Moore.
Moore taught school for more than 40 years, and his students who were photographed for the cover art for "West to Freedom," John Rivera as Daniel Russell and Thomas Ristine as Thomas Reynolds, are now grown.
"Summer at Stewart Creek," which is more than 100 pages, is based on campers Moore met at a camp on Cape Cod in 1979. "This book is totally unrelated to anything else I have done," mused Moore.
A model railroad enthusiast, who serves as vice president of the Short Line Club in Ephrata, Moore based the setting on the layout in his basement, using realistic-looking photos at the ends of chapters. "All (the story) is imaginary," said Moore, "including the Virginia and Truckee Railroad of West Virginia."
"Summer" is the story of 12-year-old Brett Tompkins, who finds himself in West Virginia when his father, a banker, takes over the family logging business from Brett's ailing grandfather. Brett makes new friends and has adventures in Snow Shoe. As he learns to enjoy life in his new home, he hopes to convince his mother to visit and come to love the place as he does.
The cover art for "Summer" features Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania volunteer James Wunderlich of Nottingham as Brett in a photo taken at the Strasburg museum. A photo inside the book features James' brother Andy as Jason Johnston, and his brother Paul portrays Adam Tyler.
Readers who would like to learn more about the books may visit http://www.jarthurmoore.com.
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