My Books
Teen Historical Fiction.
Under the Pawpaw Trees
Sequel to Sitting on Top of the World
June’s new normal: Her brother is gone, her dad is gone, her mother is grieving, and June must find her place in the world. Her beau Jimmy is her only tonic. But when tragedy strikes again, she knows exactly who to blame for all her sorrows: Paul Burnett, the railroad bull who started the chain of devastation when he killed her brother.
June sets out on a dangerous journey to make him pay, hopping freight trains to get where she needs to go, and accidents, floods, and attacks plague her route to revenge. Then when she gets to the Burnett farm in Lafayette, Virginia, she learns the truth about what happened to her brother out on the rails, and she’s drawn right back into the things that made her fall in love with this place a year ago – including Paul.
Now she must decide where she belongs – with Paul and his family, or back home with Jimmy in Maynardville, where everything she holds dear is there under the pawpaw trees.
Praise for Under the Pawpaw Trees
“A YA historical fiction book that’s refreshingly clean and wholesome, this is easily one of the best reads of the year!”
“Under the Pawpaw Trees is not merely a sequel but an evolution. It stands as a testament to Cheryl King’s innate ability to weave history and emotion, creating a tapestry that is both enlightening and heartrending. This book is a journey through time, through grief, and through the very essence of humanity. Highly recommended for those who seek a narrative that is as profound as it is poetic.”
Teen Historical Fiction.
She knows the risks. Train-hopping is dangerous. Railroad bulls are deadly. But fourteen-year-old June Baker has no other choice.
It's 1933, and the Great Depression is spreading misery throughout the country. If June doesn't find work, her family could lose their farm. And they've already lost too much.
Sitting on Top of the World is a wholesome book appropriate for ages 11 and up, and would make a great addition to any school, library, or family collection.
[Possible triggers: descriptions of violence, death of loved ones, mention of a suicide, mention of miscarriage, characters encounter racial bigotry]
Praise for Sitting on Top of the World
"Magnificently blending a story of misfortune with an inspiring tale of human ingenuity, Sitting on Top of the World is a superb intro to the events of the Great Depression for young readers. June is a courageous, relatable character whose strong first-person perspective and distinctive voice help set this novel apart from others that take place during this time period. All told, this is an original, meaningful, and powerfully told novel that will satisfy readers of any age."
— Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★
“An incredible young adult historical fiction
to rival Tom Sawyer.”
— The Historical Fiction Company, 4.5 stars
“Overall, a page-turning, heart wrenching, occasionally thrilling read about one family's struggle to survive, Sitting on Top of the World invites pre-teen and young teen readers into a hardscrabble stretch of the American past.”
— BookLife, Editor’s Pick
“This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, full of pathos and power. The writing is top-notch and features strong, solid characters. Sitting on Top of the World is a stunner.
It represents a towering achievement,
especially for a first novel.”
— Reedsy Discovery, ★★★★★
“I truly loved the adventures of June and her family. ... Thank you for allowing me to read such a compelling story! I laughed and cried and thoroughly enjoyed it.” — Deb
“This is honestly one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s heartwarming and heart wrenching, full of rich history, love and tragedy and hope, and everything good about books. I highly recommend it! It’s middle grade/young adult, but great reading for adults too.” — Jamie
Book Trailer
Take a look at this brief video to see more of what Sitting on Top of the World is about.
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Contact me for press inquiries.
Anthology.
Edited by Benjamin T. Lambright, this book includes creative short stories by 15 authors.
A piece of flash fiction I wrote appears on Page 18. Keep in mind that some of the stories in this book are not kid-friendly.