CRABAPPLE, a charming, entertaining, funny, meaningful, near-magical non-fiction book, honors the ninth year of boyhood as a magical time when boys who believe themselves to be invincible sit on the brink of realizing their mortality. It is a time of passion and serious dedication to whatever adventure is at hand. It is a time when boys believe they will be able to fly from a rooftop with the right formula of tablecloth, wind speed and a large umbrella. This book is intended to reawaken the reader's own memories of that thrilling year when all things were possible. CRABAPPLE is a story of hope and miracles because the protagonist, a fourth grade Southern boy from a poor abusive family, fortuitously encounters a mentor in the form of a witch (in reality a Gypsy) who lives in a small cottage near the school yard. Romaine, the Gypsy, bestows upon the boy acceptance, affection and timely enlightening clues to life he desperately needs. Romaine also brings humor and mystery to the tale as her secret past is gradually revealed.CRABAPPLE is a memoir that focuses on just one important year, the ninth—that year when, physically, additional gray matter begins covering the brain. This extra tissue allows the child to start thinking abstractly, opening new doors of perception and feelings. Yet, the ninth year is a sacred year that has much to teach us all about vitality, enthusiasm, and boundary pushing, qualities none of us should EVER have surrendered.