Under the apple tree: A novel

This edition of a classic, considered by many to be Wakefield's best novel, commemorates the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. Told through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy, it celebrates the spirit of youth and of small-town courage and dedication to the war effort. From the book: "In the crisp clear days of October, America was beautiful, just like in the song. Artie had never been "from sea to shining sea," nor had he seen "the purple mountain's majesty" but he knew they were out there, believed in them, and saw every day with his own eyes the beauty of the gentle hills, the creeks and cornfields, the solid old white frame houses and the ancient oaks of Town. He believed, in fact, that God had "shed his grace" on this land, that this grace was tangible, visible, in the arch of rainbows over the wet fields, the slant of shed sunlight on the sides of old barns. His pride in his country was sustained by the signs of nature and the symbols of men, not only the bright starts and stripes that flew from public buildings and hung from private porches but the comforting, everyday emblems of home: Bob's Eats, Joe's Premium, Mail Pouch Tobacco. This was what Roy and all the other boys were fighting to save, preserve, and protect, along with the people who were lucky enough to live in and of it, and all of this was sacred, worthy of any sacrifice, including life itself, for without it, life would be hollow and dumb