La Ballona Creek
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Book Overview
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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"Many times when I read time-travel fiction, it feels like the story just dumps facts to get them out of the way, but Vickers uses restraint here and makes the history accessible, all while leaning into the strength of Indigenous lives in the face of colonial forces." - Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
"Brant Vickers' La Ballona Creek is a beautifully written exploration of youth, change, and the ties that bind us to our past. With its captivating narrative and memorable characters, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages." - Nellie Calanni for Feathered Quill
"Set in 1970s Culver City, this young adult novel is a time-traveling, genre-defying story that weaves together magical realism, Native history, and the emotional landscape of lost boys on the cusp of becoming something more." - Lauren Hayataka for Independent Book Review
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