Call Me Benedict

About the Book

Please allow me to show you World War II through eight-year- old Gracie's eyes in Call Me Benedict.

Living in the post-depression poverty in a small sawmill town in South Louisiana, Gracie discovers a way to earn money by selling scrap iron.  She is told the iron is being sold to Japan.  When Pearl Harbor is attacked, she becomes guilt ridden and begins her struggle with patriotism versus betrayal.  Enabling Gracie through this difficulty is her devoted grandfather.  Her little brother Lee and his pet chicken add humor. 

My story is one of struggle and discoveries in Gracie's life giving one a child's view of a painful time in our nation's history in sixteen short chapters.

About the Author

Gertie Pratt Mayeux; {b.}January 20, 1932, St. Landry, Louisiana; {m.} Paul N. Mayeux {deceased}, November 12, 1949; {ch.} Six sons and six daughter; {ed.} O.L.O.L School of Nursing, Loyola Graduate Studies, McKnight School of Art; {occ.} Mother, Artist and Retired Teacher of Art and Religion; {a.} Ville Platte, LA

“Words from the heart to the heart deeply move.  We must be always aware of the power within us and use it well.”    Gertie Mayeux