The Prince of Venice Beach

The Prince of Venice Beach introduces readers to Robert "Cali" Callahan, a 17-year-old runaway who has carved out a unique existence on the vibrant, gritty streets of Venice Beach. His life, filled with surfing, basketball, and a close-knit group of friends, takes an unexpected turn when he's recruited by a private investigator to find other missing teens. This coming-of-age story delves into themes of independence, resilience, and belonging, as Cali uses his intimate knowledge of the street to solve a mystery. It also explores the complexities of first love when he falls for Reese Abernathy, a girl with secrets of her own. Parents should be aware that the book realistically portrays the challenges and dangers of homelessness and street life, offering a poignant look at youth navigating difficult circumstances.

Robert "'Cali" Callahan is a teen runaway, living on the streets of Venice Beach, California. He's got a pretty sweet life: a treehouse to sleep in, a gang of surf bros, a regular basketball game...even a girl who's maybe-sorta interested in him. What he doesn't have is a plan. All that changes when a local cop refers Cali to a private investigator who is looking for a missing teenager. After all, Cali knows everyone in Venice. But the streets are filled with people who don't want to be found, and when he's hired to find the beautiful Reese Abernathy--who would do anything to stay hidden--Cali enters a new world filled with mysterious characters, dangerous choices, and his first chance at real love.