Brenda Ballard grew up in the Granite Falls, Washington area, part of the fourth generation of her family to enjoy the rich history and natural beauty. While helping her eldest stepson do research for a cultural fair project on his late grandfather, Fred Ballard, she became intrigued with the adventures and life of this young teenager in the 1930's. A chance meeting with Fred's childhood buddy, Rudy, proved these stories true. It took ten years and her imagination to piece it all together. The result is this amusing and inspiring children's series entitled The Boy From Granite Falls, a nickname given to Fred while serving overseas in WWII.