Book
The El / Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
"From the co-editor of the bestselling anthology Never Whistle at Night, a semi-autobiographical novel that follows a group of teenage gang members as they trek across Chicago to a momentous meeting, inspired by the cult classic The Warriors"-- Provided by publisher.
Record details
- ISBN: 9780593686768 (trade paperback)
- Physical Description: 176 pages ; 21 cm
- Publisher: New York : Vintage Books, a division og Penguin Random House, 2025.
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| Subject: | Gangs > Fiction. Indigenous peoples > Fiction. Teenagers > Fiction. Chicago (Ill.) > Fiction. |
| Genre: | Autobiographical fiction. Novels. |
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- 0 of 1 copy available at Tsuga Consortium.
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- 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
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| Location | Call Number / Copy Notes | Barcode | Shelving Location | Status | Due Date |
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- Baker & Taylor
On a sweltering day in 1979 Chicago, Indigenous teen Teddy leads younger gang members through rival territories after a violent meeting of âthe Nation,â relying on wit, loyalty, and visions from Coyote to survive a perilous journey across the cityâs El train lines. Original. - Random House, Inc.
From the co-editor of the bestselling anthology Never Whistle at Night, a semi-autobiographical novel that follows a group of teenage gang members as they trek across Chicago to a momentous meeting, inspired by the cult classic The Warriors
âCool and real as hell.â âTommy Orange, bestselling author of There There
An ordinary day in August 1979 dawns hot and humid in Chicago. Teenager Teddy is living with his dad after being kicked out of his momâs house due to his gang activity. But Teddy has thrived in the Simon City Royals, and today, he'll be helping to lead a posse of the group's younger members south across the city to Roosevelt High School to attend a gathering of gangs forming âthe Nationââa bold new attempt at joining forces across racial lines. This holds particular importance for Teddy, as his branchâs only Indigenous member.
But when the meeting breaks up in gunshots and police sirens, Teddy must guide the Royals back across hostile territory, along secret routes and back alleys, and stop by stop on the thundering tracks of the El. In the face of violence from rival gangs and a secret Judas in the Royalsâ ranks, Teddy is armed only with a potent combination of book smarts and street smarts, and by the guiding spirit of Coyote, who has granted him the power to glimpse a future only he may survive to see.
Immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of the authorâs beloved city, The El will transport you to that singular sun- and blood-soaked day in Chicago. It is a love letter to another time, to a city, and to a group of friends trying to find their place and make their way in a world that doesnât want them.
