Knock ’Em Dead Ned--A Children's Story

All of the grammar school students in Noodleneck, Nebraska, avoided Ned Nellinger and called him “Ne’er-Do-Well Ned” because he was always getting into trouble, especially on the playground. He argued about the least little thing, especially when participating in games, and he never smiled. Although he was a handsome lad, his bad attitude and the frown that was always on his face caused girls to dislike him, as did the old, worn-out clothes he wore, which had been handed down to him by his older brothers. Still, inside this lonely kid, the desire to make something of himself was strong.