Eric Hoffer Award Finalist

"In Fred Hosley's poignant and memorable coming-of-age tale, the strains of early rock 'n' roll in the sunny beach town of Clearwater, Florida, provide the perfect backdrop for a group of young adolescents growing up in the '50s... Sorry You Missed It... represents fine storytelling. With its blend of small-town Americana charm, spot-on characterization, and life lessons that move beyond the page, its classic stylings should find broad appeal." --Starred Review from Blue Ink Review

In a small beach town in Florida, twelve-year-old Matt Parker is ready to enjoy the growing freedoms of a teenager as he and his buddies enter seventh grade at Clearwater Junior High School, and then trouble appears: he receives a phone call that turns the opening weeks of school into an exploit he never anticipated.

The boys set out to protect their friend Billy, from Wayne Tyson, a surly ninth grader who is threatening him. Along the way, they search for buried treasure on Hog Island, try to catch a black snake they name Lucille, and go to their first dance party with girls at the home of their friend, Dee.

Sorry You Missed It… is a coming-of-age story full of fun, laughter, sadness and tears—a dangerous adventure spiced with early rock 'n roll and the innocence of a blossoming teenage romance, set in the remarkable era of America in the mid-fifties. Experience being there!

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