Those Gypsies on Rio Hondo Parkway - Hardcover

Kunz, Barry

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0991581202 ISBN 13: 9780991581207

Publisher: First Cabin Press, 2014

Synopsis

In the early 1950s a family with five kids moves across town to a neighborhood of green lawns, white picket fences, and modest homes-El Monte, CA. The kids explore their large corner lot on Rio Hondo Parkway, climbing some of the dozens of walnut trees, and running through weeds and a rambling assortment of wildflowers. They've got it all . . . except for a house. Dad throws up a huge Army surplus tent which serves as their home until he can build them their Dream House. The family's thirst for a slice of America's newfound economic energy of the 1950s is tempered by their memories of the war and the Great Depression. Dad is squeezed by a ninety-day tent permit, and everyone is antsy about the threat of a union strike, money problems, and other unforeseen misfortune, any of which, if realized, could delay or shut down the construction of the house. Against this backdrop, Paul Kemble, Christopher's hard-headed, perfectionist older brother, struggles against the neighborhood bully-Verlin Smoot though he would prefer to help with the house, do some cooking, and boss his younger siblings around. From his office-a creaky old outhouse-a throwaway from a neighbor, Paul researches his basic psychology book looking to track down an out of sort personality such as Smoot's that will lead him to some clues in putting a stop to this relentless thug. Those Gypsies on Rio Hondo Parkway is middle grade fiction replete with a splash of local history, wonderful characters, a warm heart, quick and limber humor, and a story the author 'lived' as a child for three years-the inspiration for the work.

About this title

About the Author:

Julissa Mora has been a freelance illustrator for more than eight years. She specializes in the children s and tween market. She is best known for her trendy tween girls, cute children, and animal characters. Her work has been featured by top industry publications such as American Girl as well as by the award-winning toy company Educational Insights. Julissa has been a part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, helping to mentor her own little sister. Julissa currently lives and works out of her home/studio in Brooklyn, New York.

About this edition

• Publisher: First Cabin Press
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0991581202
• ISBN 13: 9780991581207
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 174
• Illustrator: Mora Julissa