The Peculiar Wars of Arock, Oregon

Johnnie Perkins is eleven years old, living on a lonely Oregon ranch. It is 1946, before such things as national television or even electricity for everyone. Things like the Internet and cell phones do not exist, except in science-fiction stories. Johnnie would probably be happier if he wasn't so intelligent and inquisitive, a real "smart pants" according to his teacher in the little one-room school. Everything Johnnie is learning about the world is depressing. On the other hand, he does have his wise uncle Rufus as a best friend.