Local History Written for Children

    /24-7PressRelease/ - PORT ORFORD, OR, February 18, 2007 - Far West Books and Gifts interviewed Shirley Nelson Author of 'What Happened Here?'. Shirley has published a book that tells the history of Coos and Curry counties in Oregon in a way that children and adults enjoy reading.

Shirley Nelson's goal was to write a book about history, that children would enjoy reading and at the same time learn more about where they lived. Shirley got the idea for her style of history book when she was teaching grade school. She noticed that the children were more attentive when she read them stories about history, than they were when reading historical information. Shirley would read them stories about a particular time or event that were true stories. Shirley would read to the children stories that were written in a way they could understand.

Shirley retired from teaching and moved to Port Orford, Oregon in 1995. She started to learn about all the rich history the area had to offer. Shirley got the idea to write a book, What Happened Here?, about the stories of the local history. A book which children would like and was in a simple vocabulary that children could understand but adults could read also. Many adults buy the book not only for themselves but for their children too. The idea was that these stories are interesting they tell us about whom we are and where we came from. Shirley wanted to do it in a form that people would like. There are many excellent history books written on this area, but they are big and long and technical. Many people won't pick them off the shelves and read them.

'What Happened Here? is a book complied of stories and legends based on the history of Coos and Curry Counties, Oregon. There are 14 short stories, a map of Coos and Curry counties and 4 other maps. There are 22 pictures. Shirley has included a historical timeline at the back that gives dates from 1848 to 1945. Most of the stories you will not find in other traditional history books.

The reception of the book has been wonderful. What Happened Here? is in its second printing. It is available at local book stores and at Far West Books and Gifts at booksatfarwest.com.

# # #