Partly inspired by PBS stories of the Civil War and biographical profiles of individuals like Andrew Jackson, Zeke Thompson, American Hero follows the fictitious protagonist's life from 1850 to 1876. Born to a poor southern farmer, young Zeke is befriended by a slave from a neighboring plantation who teaches him many useful skills and leaves an indelible mark on the boy. The child also experiences the hardships of life and the cruelty of various forms of discrimination, which include social, racial, and economic. During and after the Civil War, Zeke continues to be transformed into an admirable young man who is determined to defend the rights of the downtrodden while risking his own life. Although not for the faint of heart, young and old will enjoy the story of young Zeke, who has his flaws, but manages to charm friend and foe. According to Kirkus Book Review, ..".Zeke's conviction stands out, and this entertaining novel that reads like a Forrest Gump-type journey through mid-19th century America, he is a fine prism through which to view a complicated time in our nation's history. Fun and educational - a unique look at post-Civil War America." Formatted in easy to read 14 point, Century Gothic print.