James M. Devlin is a retired businessman from Michigan and, along with his wife, is staying in Orange Beach. He never thought about writing a book until an event happened which proved to him that life can take an amazing turn.

About two years ago, Devlin’s daughter Kelly Szafranski explained to him that his 9-year-old granddaughter, Katy, had decided she will not read more than she must due to the fact that she reads enough in school. Katy was perfectly content playing video games and doing her homework. Katy’s parents are avid readers; they were upset and out of ideas to have Katy become a youngster who reads for pleasure.

Attempting to help the situation, Devlin began writing funny, one-page stories and mailing them to Katy. The 9-year old loved these stories and begged for more.

On the fourth story, Devlin had his first surprise when, after several pages, he found himself writing “To be continued.” This resulted in 10, cliff-hanger chapters mailed to Katy one at a time. To Devlin’s delight, Katy responded to each chapter by writing and mailing her comments back to her grandpa.

Devlin’s idea was successful. Katy loved his story and continues reading for fun every day.

The book’s title is “Summer Farmhand;” The pre-teen book is about Devlin’s entire summer spent working as a farm hand in 1954, along with nine other 10 to 12 year old boys, on a huge Michigan farm. All the boys were known only by their farm nickname. Some of these nicknames were, Snothead, Meathead, Gasbags and Falldown.

Also working the farm for the first time was the remarkable niece of the farm owner. She immediately became everyone’s favorite and a great friend to all the boys.

The book is filled with hilarious events but Devlin sneaks in several positive life lessons and the value achieved from hard work.

Szafranski was impressed with her dad’s ability to change Katy’s thinking about reading for fun and also believed his story would benefit other youngsters in the same way. She successfully found a publisher and Devlin’s book, “Summer Farmhand,” has enjoyed unexpected success mainly through word of mouth.

Devlin has been a healthy, Type-one diabetic for more than sixty-one years and proceeds from his book are donated to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

To purchase the book, visit bookstandpublishing.com then type in the name of the book: Summer Farmhand.

Also, see the book’s webpage at this same address by clicking the drawing of the barn.