La Ballona Creek, by Brant Vickers
Before the Missions, before the movies, before the automobiles and traffic, before the Beach Boys, there were the Tongva.
La Ballona Creek interweaves adventure, history, magical realism, and pivotal life experiences that test friendship and ultimately determine the difference between life and death. Set in Culver City, California, in 1970, the story follows three young boys, adrift from loss and abandonment, who form a bond with a Gabrielino/Tongva man. He becomes a father figure, guiding them through their struggles while sharing the cultural lessons and history of their homeland.
As the boys learn more about Southern California’s true past—from the 1770s to the present—they are transported on a miraculous journey back in time, where they engage directly with a Tongva tribe. This YA paranormal novel blends historical education with a captivating time-travel adventure.
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