William R. “Bill” White used stories in his work as pastor of 
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison, Wisconsin. He honed his storytelling skills as a child telling stories to his younger brother and later as a father to his children before bed. Now retired as a full-time minister, Bill has authored his seventh book and first novel, Little Oslo.
In the summer of 1952, seventeen-year-old Jake finds himself starring on the Wahissa city baseball team and working at Little Oslo, where the local gather each day for breakfast, lunch, and the latest buzz. Unexpectedly he ends up in the middle of several mysterious, unsolved brutal beatings.
During the summer, Jake is confronted with challenges of racism, relationships, and love. Through his faith, friends, and family, he begins to discover answers—and in doing so, touches the lives of many in the small town of Wahissa, at a restaurant known as Little Oslo.
Purchase Little Oslo
Little Oslo-Hard Cover
Little Oslo-Soft Cover $16.00 (Tax included)
(If you would like your book signed, please leave the name of the person who will receive the book at the Checkout where it asks “Leave a note for seller: Add“.)
What they’re saying about Little Oslo
I was totally hooked by page six. White has written an honest and moving account of people and places he clearly knows and loves.
A rousing, moving, down-home yarn at once hilarious and poignant. White’s Wisconsin small town story rings true with the intricacies of baseball, racism, redemption, first love and a mystery you can really sink your teeth into.
I laughed and I cried and I cheered for Jake. White has reminded me what reading a novel should feel like.
Bill Wilson (Executive Producer, The Santa Clause Films)
‘Little Oslo’ is a book I couldn’t put down! It’s an engaging, heart-warming coming-of-age story in a small Wisconsin town in the 1950’s. I was captivated by the strong intergenerational relationships built around family, friends, church, baseball, and the local café, Little Oslo. But, tension challenges some of these relationships as Jake and friends set out to solve a local mystery. The resolution to the mystery speaks of love, trust and redemption.
Beth Lewis, President & CEO
Augsburg Fortress
“Little Oslo” was a pure delight to read. It is a journey into a Wisconsin valley that is filled with memories, mystery and redemption. But, “Little Oslo” is more than just a story. It is a mystery that brings hope and faith, baseball and bicycles, and most importantly, the good news that people can do the right thing.
Pastor Rick Hoyme, Bishop
Northwest Synod of Wisconsin
Master storyteller Bill White invites us into a terrific mystery seen through the eyes of seventeen-year-olds Jake and Candy and a cast of colorful characters in the book Little Oslo. White keeps us guessing up until the end. The book is wonderfully written and is a great read.
Dave Keilitz, President
American Baseball Coaches Association
You did a GREAT job developing characters, weaving in various plots, keeping us interested with the mystery of the beatings, engaging us in the characters’ problems, and taking us back again to life in the 50’s. Thanks for the trip! It was MOST enjoyable, and I looked forward to opening the book every evening! (That doesn’t always happen either.)
Susan Knight, Professor of Spanish
Central Michigan University
I’ve just returned from a trip to Europe. I had planned to read a few pages of Little Oslo on the way over and then sleep the rest of the flight, but I got caught up in it and finished it before we landed. It’s wonderful. Now it’s my wife’s turn.
Larry Samuelson, A Douglas Melamed Professor of Economics
Yale University
Your book Little Oslo is excellent. Well crafted, a bit of humor with a serious line of mystery. I loved it!
I have listened to retired pastor Bill for years and joined the church at Bethel as I wanted him to personally induct me. When he gave his sermon I hung unto every word. He is a remarkable humane human being.
Would love to have you sign the book I just ordered. I have fond memories of Immanuel before the church was built, meeting in a hall, and my first introduction to the LBW. You were one of those responsible for me going into the ministry. Much success with the book.
Felicitaciones!!!! Please sign one to “lorraine” and another to ” sue”
Sig it to Elaine.
Remembering our lay school days. Enjoy my job so much.
You must consider to sign my book over coffee in Madison. John Hanson
Just read the article that Scott posted on Facebook. Loved it. I gotta get your book for my baseball book collection. I love African American History and baseball History. I am currently trying to finish a lengthy biography on connie Mack. I love the books I’ve read on the Negro Leagues and players. I am looking forward to adding Little Oslo to my collection. Scott mentioned the possibility of getting a signed copy. I thought I’d ask here before I purchased it on line. So, please let me know how to get a signed copy and I’ll get my order in. Hope all is well. Busy summer here. I hope to visit Scott’s old summer stomping ground, Stoney Lake, soon.
I look forward to reading your work. Take care. Jon B.
Jon–when you order via PayPal make a note as to how you want it signed…if it is just to Jon you don’t need to add anything more. I hope your entire family is doing well.
Hi Bill,
My wife and I were in Westby yesterday and stopped at the Dregne Scandinavian Store.
The Ladies there would sure like to have your books to sell.
I will ourchase one soon.
I checked with Barnes & Noble also.
Harlie Getter