Billy Tapper Zillionaire by Gary Finnan

This colorful novel of adventure, family, and courage shows young Billy McTaggart coming of age as a tapper in a British railyard during the bitter years following World War II. Bullied for his small stature but endowed with a sharp mind, the fierce ambition of his sweetheart Meg, and the love of his Mam, Billy navigates a rapidly changing world where steam engines give way to rock and roll, Elvis, and the Beatles.

Everything changes for Billy in one breathtaking moment when he uncovers a wartime secret hidden inside a rail car. Romance, loss, intimacy, and elation follow his path up and out of England’s rigid class system. Inspired by the vibrant music and allure of America, Billy’s ambition is driven to escape mediocrity. Through it all, Billy maintains his generous spirit, belief in possibilities and that the greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.

Billy Tapper Zillionaire captures the humanity of simple relationships for an accidental bystander to history growing up in the 1950s and 60s.