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Claire Pence is a retired educator living in the beautiful River Valley of Northwest Arkansas. She and her husband have four children, eleven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and three granddogs. In addition to pursuing her lifelong love for writing, she teaches a ladies Bible class and encourages her husband with his ministerial work. She also loves preparing special meals for her family and teaching her grandchildren to cook. After retiring, in the spring of 2019, she turned her attention to writing, drawing on experiences from nearly forty years in public education. She has been a classroom teacher, a reading specialist, a librarian, and literacy interventionist. She also worked for Guy Fenter Education Service Cooperative as a literacy and a school improvement specialist. “Looking back, being a librarian was my favorite job,” Claire said. “It was such a joy to select well-crafted, content-rich literature for young readers. I still remember the thrill of opening a box of new books.” When writing for children, Claire likes to keep in mind a favorite quote from Charlotte Huck, who established the first children’s literature program at the University of Ohio. “Literature records the depths and heights of the human experience. It develops compassion by educating the heart as well as the mind. It helps children entertain new ideas and develop new insight they never had before. It can stretch the imagination, creating new experiences, and enriching old ones. Literature can develop a sense of what is true and just and beautiful.” Charlotte Huck (1982)
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Buddy of a Hundred Days by Claire Pence is a sweet tale of friendship and love set against the backdrop of 1960s small-town America. The story follows young Ivy Scott as she navigates life after moving from her grandparents’ farm to the city, facing change, heartache, and self-discovery. Her life takes a significant turn when she meets Buddy, a charismatic boy whose presence unexpectedly brightens her world. Pence vividly portrays Ivy’s struggles with leaving her beloved farm, coping with her father’s absence, and adapting to a new environment. Buddy’s kindness and optimism give Ivy a beacon of hope, creating a touching depiction of a young friendship that evolves into something deeper. The details of this prosperous period, from neighborhood churches to school life, add authenticity and depth to the narrative.
Claire Pence is skilled at crafting memorable characters and heartfelt scenes. The relationship between Ivy and her grandmother stands out for its warmth and wisdom among the challenges. The connection between Ivy and Buddy is beautifully portrayed, featuring instances of joy, sorrow, and quiet comprehension. Ivy's thoughts on love, loss, and faith integrate smoothly into the narrative, providing a sense of timelessness and relatability. This novel is a coming-of-age story and a tribute to enduring love and the courage to continue despite life’s hardships. Pence captures the essence of childhood innocence and bittersweet growing up, making Buddy of a Hundred Days an engaging story that will appeal to readers of all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to more from this talented author.
