The El

In the semi-autobiographical novel The El, winner of the Chirby Fiction Award, a group of teenage gang members embarks on a pivotal journey across Chicago to a crucial meeting aimed at uniting rival gangs. As Teddy, the only Indigenous member of the Simon City Royals, leads the younger members through the city's challenges, they face violence and betrayal after the meeting erupts in chaos. With the guidance of the spirit Coyote, Teddy must navigate treacherous terrain while clinging to hope and resilience. This immersive tale captures the essence of a sweltering day in August 1979, celebrating friendship and the struggle for belonging in a harsh world.