The Pops

The Pops is a coming of age novel that follows a group of friends—Jack, Julie, Tom, and Emily—growing up in a small Midwestern town during the 1960s. The story captures their journey through adolescence, highlighting their adventures, love affairs, heartbreaks, rivalries, and tragic losses. Set against a backdrop of pop culture and pivotal historical events from their era, The Pops offers a nostalgic and poignant exploration of the innocence of youth. Additionally, The Pops also refers to an imaginary group of characters—Smiler, Ismail, Raspberry, Stirrup, and Happy—who appear to uplift spirits with laughter and joy, especially when one feels sad and lonely. The Pops have arrived today, they're going to make your day, your tears will go and your smile will grow and there be laughter all the way. When you feel sad and lonely and there is no one else around Smiler, Ismail, Raspberry, Stirrup and Happy will appear with a pop, pop, pop. Join The Pops as they go on their adventures helping children. Sometimes they will make you laugh and sometimes you will wipe away a tear from your eye, but at the end of the day they will be a friend for life. Illustrations by Georgina Mason