Those Gypsies On Rio Hondo Parkway

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.

• | Author: Barry Kunz
• | Publisher: First Cabin Press
• | Publication Date: Apr 12, 2014
• | Number of Pages: 174 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Hardcover
• | ISBN-10: 0991581202
• | ISBN-13: 9780991581207