How It Was For Billy Nelson tells of World War II as experienced by a middle school boy, his family and community. The shock of Pearl Harbor, the fear of sabotage, and the rise of black marketing are set against a backdrop of humor, friendships, and poignant loss. The nation's effort to win the war is an underlying theme of the book. Details of blackouts, shortages, war bonds, and rationing are vivid in this story of families on a rural Puget Sound island. The momentous events of World War II are brought into sharp focus through the young eyes of Billy Nelson. This is a book for all ages. Adults will rediscover a time that is fast becoming history. Young adults will relate to the adventures and misadventures of boys of their own age, living in a different time.