Ballad of the Wayward Child: A Novel in Stories

Come Over Here

In the opening tale to Keven Renken's novel in stories, BALLAD OF THE WAYWARD CHILD, six-year-old Ike wanders off his grandmother's porch in search of adventure, but steps into something horrible. In each subsequent story, Ike is a year older and more aware of the role fear plays in his young life. Along the way, however, he also finds unexpected moments of bravery, encountering a colorful cast of characters who accompany him on his way toward adulthood. As he grows, Ike's early trauma lurks in the background like a shadow, waiting to make its presence felt time and again. But each time, the boy, now becoming a man, finds a way, through sorrow and joy, through triumphs and failures, to live his life as best he can. He finds a way to live.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: St. Petersburg Press
Published: 11/13/2025
ISBN: 9781964239378
Pages: 204
Weight: 0.62lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.47d

Review Citations: Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2026