La Ballona Creek
by Brant Vickers
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Pub Date 6 May 2025 | Archive Date 14 May 2025
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Description
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.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
"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." - Feathered Quill
"Brant Vickers’ La Ballona Creek is a fantastically rendered time-travel novel that emphasizes the impact of violent colonialism through the lens of 20th-century Jorma Nevala’s eyes. Vickers’ writing is simple, straightforward, and detailed, and it is clear that his research into the Tongva tribe was exhaustive. I love his mix of the practicalities of living in the environment and the weight of that moment in history. The pacing captures both the slow rhythm of life within the village and the sudden, violent interruptions of the Spanish incursion. 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. La Ballona Creek is a thoughtful, fresh perspective in a well-written coming-of-age story." - Readers' Favorite
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Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798891324534 |
| PRICE | US$15.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 246 |
