BAKERSFIELD BESTSELLER at Russo's Books (1999-2003, 2005-2006, 2009) Jerry Stanley's compelling story of the "Okie" migration to California and Leo B. Hart's construction of a school at the Weedpatch Camp has taken on a life of it's own. A multiple-award winner, the book is enjoyed by youth & adults throughout Kern County, California, and the nation. Indeed, to read Stanley's account is to not only better understand local history, but to better understand American history.

If wondering what we mean by "multiple award-winner", read on: heralded by Kirkus in a pointer review as "lucid, dramatic, and splendidly inspiring", here is a "lavishly illustrated . . . informative and inspirational bit of American history" (School Library Journal, starred review). 1993 ALA Notable Book; 1992 Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies; 1992 Booklist Editors' Choice; 1992 Library of Congress Book of the Year; 1993 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children.