Amarillo author King Hill has gone outside his normal realm and written an enchanting novella for kids ages 11-18, after the daughter of a friend asked him if he would consider writing a book for their age group.   

Hill decided to take on the challenge. It is his fourth novel in four years, and he said this one is “fun, fanciful, whimsical, spirited, full of twists and turns and above all, about kindness,” with a happy ending.

“The title came from the action of the book itself,” Hill said. “It’s called ‘Lost and Found,’ which brings back the lyrics from the old gospel song, ‘Amazing Grace’ … ‘I once was lost but now I’m found’.”     

Having been a teacher and educator in private and public schools, he said it always affected him to see children who were struggling with issues. “Young people have a lot of challenges in their lives and some that are obvious, and some aren’t, but they always touched my heart,” he said.  

“I based this novel on a runaway, and I needed a heroine and a safe home where a runaway could go, so I set out to find one,” he said. Hill was intrigued by the warmth and enticing smells emanating from bakeries, so he sought out the Kind House Ukraine Bakery, and that’s where he met Glenda Moore, who founded the bakery to help the Ukrainian people. 

“She is kindness incarnate. We became friends. I appreciate and embrace her cause to help the people of Ukraine,” Hill said. “Glenda embodied all the characteristics of my heroine, so she became my lead character, Emma McCurdy. I needed a good image for the cover of the book. So, Glenda has an adopted Ukrainian daughter named Zhanna Logveneko, and Glenda and her graciously agreed to let me use her image on the cover of the book.”  

“Glenda allowed me to come to the bakery, watch the volunteers as they went about their tasks,” he added.

Hill said he also had to learn about the foster care system and enlisted social worker Jessica Hoskins for the process — who also became the basis for one of the novel’s fictional characters.  

 Though the book is a short, quick read — ideally suited for those ages 11-18 — it is also a book for all ages, Hill said. “Many adults have enjoyed it and have commented about giving it to their children or grandchildren, friends and nieces and nephews.”  

Characters also include a fanciful dog and cat, which can talk and are very discerning — determining people who are good from the bad.  

“‘The animal characters are based on pets that friends of mine have. I studied them and noticed their characteristics and involved them into being characters in the book,” Hill said. “The dog is based on a terrier mix, Bella, who belongs to Barbara Bowman, an actress and friend who takes Bella with her on her trips. The beautiful Siberian cat, Sasha, also belongs to a friend. ” 

“In the book, the lead character, Emma, tells her adopted daughter, ‘All animals talk, most people are just too busy talking themselves that they don’t listen,” he added.  

Upcoming book signings

There will be two book signings, the first being 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Kind House Ukraine Bakery, 4715 S. Western. All proceeds from book sales at that event will be donated to Ukraine.    

The second signing and reception will be in the Courtyard at Las Tiendas, 6666 Amarillo Blvd., from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25.   The event is being sponsored by Rebecca Via, owner/founder of Couture Marketing Group, and Melissa Stanley, owner of Las Tiendas.  Hill’s other books will also be available to purchase.

Hill’s late father, renowned artist, Jack King Hill, once had a studio in Las Tiendas where he and his wife found a way to make room for Melissa Stanley to have a space to do her artwork while she was a student at WTAMU.   

Reviews for ‘Lost and Found’  

“A great adventure for all ages!” – Carla Summers, middle school counselor

“My daughter loves it. I love it. We are both hooked on Mariah ad Emma, along with Bella and Sasha. We couldn’t put it down and wanted to keep reading until the end.” – Barbra Teisdale, parent and homeschooler

“What an adventure! What fun character! What a great story!” – Constance Cummings, realtor and podcaster