By Clyde Noel

Local author publishes book for young adults about life in the 1920s

Rewa Hodges, a Los Altos author, takes readers to the Black Hills in South Dakota, where she received an education few could ever envision. “Molly May on the T/C Ranch” is an autobiographical account by a woman in her 80s, recalling her childhood at the age of 6.

“Molly May on the T/C Ranch” is the second in a series of books recounting a young girl’s adventures in the early 1920s.

In the first book, “Molly May on the High Seas,” Molly May was taken out of an orphanage in England at the age of 6 and sent across the Atlantic to join her Aunt Georgie and Uncle Ed in South Dakota. Alone on the luxury liner the Olympic (sister ship to the Titanic), Molly May had several interesting encounters on the high seas.

In “Molly May on the T/C Ranch,” 6-year-old Molly May describes life on her aunt and uncle’s ranch during the 1920s.

Afraid of being sent back to the orphanage, Molly May had difficulty accepting a room of her own and a bathtub in the parlor in front of the potbelly wood-burning stove.

The author provides historical facts about living conditions in the 1920s. Historians and researchers could do well to read the book for background.

Karry Brown’s illustrations are simple and directly related to the story page. Her charming illustrations of animals such as horses, turkeys and bald eagles bring the story to life for children.

Molly May’s 1923 trip to Yellowstone National Park, with its narrow, twisting and cliff-hugging roads, makes for an interesting read. Driving a Studebaker Touring Sedan bulging with boxes, bundles and bedding wrapped in a large tent, she and her family go from campground to campground observing the wildlife.

“Of all the animals I’ve seen, Uncle Ed, the buffalos are my favorite,” Molly May says. “They give me the giggles when they lie down in dust patches rolling and kicking up their legs for their dust baths. Then they stand up shaking out the dirt and dust from their fur coats. That really makes me laugh!”

After seeing many animals in their natural setting and the beauty of Yellowstone National Park, Molly May knows the trip will stay in her memory a long time.

In the last chapter, Aunt Georgie and Uncle Ed retire from the T/C Ranch and move to Hot Springs, S.D. Rewa’s third book in the series will probably start here, where Molly May begins her formal education at the Hot Springs Elementary School.

“Molly May on the T/C Ranch” is a book for inquisitive young children and senior citizens who can recall the years following World War I. It is an easy read. Even elementary school students will be able to understand the family’s love for each other. Devoid of any religion, royalty, sex or war episodes, the book is a charming account of real-life adventures from an interesting period of our past.

This review is based on a limited edition of the book, released prior to the general release by Little Red Cat Publishing.