Book cover of Secret Place

Book description

A small boy finds a secret place in the city that he shares with a white egret, mallards, and even ducklings.

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Why read it?

1 author picked Secret Place as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is based on the L.A. River (which is undergoing an exciting revitalization) but it could be any industrial downtown: freeways, warehouses, graffiti, smog. A boy discovers a secret place, where a river still runs through a concrete bed. In hushed tones, he tells us who else knows his secret - an egret, a green-winged teal, nesting mallards, coyotes, and possum. The vivid description makes me feel as if I am right there with him, sharing his sense of wonder. This deceptively simple book offers a powerful argument for restoring green space. 

From Erica's list on celebrating cities.

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