Jimmy, a new book by James D. Gerdeman, depicts the antics of 5 brothers growing up during the 1950’s in the small rural town of Kalida, Ohio.  These young boys build memories of carnivals, Big Bend, and lakes and streams.  There are stories about the tiny little league, starting a couple of businesses, and fun of fishing, hunting, and riding horses.  The stories are set in those special places boys can imagine.  They mine coins by the river, build bike trails in horse weeds, and use grandpa’s traps.  It shows the ingenuity of youth.  

This is a book filled with laughter, fun and curiosity for its readers.  It tells the story of Jimmy, his brothers and friends growing with the freedom to explore in Kalida,  Ohio, a community comprised of people who participated together to improve the lives of everyone.  Family and friends make up the central theme.   They all knew each other so the sense of support and confidence always prevailed.  This is a biographical look at a small town during the 1950’s. It shows how the residents of Ohio, Putnam County, and nearby areas lived.  The fun they shared playing at Big Bend and the stories about the church socials, Pioneer Days and the county fairs will make you laugh out loud.  The lives of these young boys will entertain you.  Their antics, fun and adorable stories show the innocence of growing up in Kalida.  Family vacations filled with fishing, swimming and the make do rental cabins are comical.  This story portrays how one family lived their lives and how the community was the backdrop for Jimmy’s innocent freedom.