Children’s book set in Gatesville sparks nostalgia

Waco author Joye Thackston recently published her third children’s book inspired by her own childhood in Gatesville.  

Titled “My Little David,” the story follows a young boy, Sam, and his adventures with his grandfather. All ten chapters feature various landmarks and events around Gatesville and Coryell County, including the Coryell County Courthouse.

“I grew up in (Gatesville), and the stories are based on memories from my childhood,” Thackston said in an email. “For instance, walking around the courthouse on the rock fence and living close to my grandparents.”

Although Thackston wrote the book for children, she said adults will also enjoy the stories about familiar places and activities that will take them down memory lane.

According to the book’s summary, the story transports readers to a simpler era as Sam and his grandfather attempt to eliminate boredom from everyday life in rural Texas. Thackston said families can use Sam’s journey as a teaching tool for young readers to direct their gift of love back to its creator, God.

“As Sam and grandad get into mischief, an endearing picture of their precious relationship stands out,” she said. “Learn from grandad's unique way of challenging Sam to ask questions while simultaneously intriguing him with a touch of mystery.”

After volunteering in a women’s prison ministry, Thackston said she was inspired to write stories that teach children about God’s word.

“I watched the faces of the women in our classroom. It was apparent to me that, as children, they had never been taught about God’s love for them,” she said. “Maybe if they had, they might have taken a different path.”

Thackston is also the author of “If Only Donkeys Could Talk” and “The Desire of Sarah's Heart.” Her children’s book “My Little David” can be purchased at the Coryell County Museum or local booksellers, including Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Walmart.

“Many people teach children at church, but maybe my little books will reach a few and make them wonder and ask questions,” Thackston said.