The year was 1963 and Rondo Avenue in St. Paul was the home of a proud Black community. That quickly came to an end as the houses on that street were set to be demolished so the new Interstate 94 could be built.

Progress of this type seemed so unfair to thirteen-year-old Zenobia. She is seeing it first hand, staying at 841 Rondo Avenue with her younger siblings to give her mom some peace and quiet as she recovers from a stroke. The home belongs to her grandparents and the story of the family going all the way back to Great Grandma Zenobia are pieced together in mostly short chapters.

The story is an important one so we never forget how communities were often treated unfairly. It also shows the impact of losing a child, alcoholism, and misconceptions about people based on their color.

Many of the residents lives are revealed through separate stories. I was cheering for Zenobia and the choice she made to be heard. Included are 9 black and white photos giving you an even clearer picture of the neighborhood. THE HOUSE ON RONDO is intended for upper middle grade readers, there are some minor cuss words that surface, opening the door for an even more authentic feel, but parents might want to read the historical fiction novel first before handing it over to their child.

Pages: 104 Book Birthday: October 7, 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debra J Stone writes essays, poetry, and fiction. She received a 2023–25 Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship in Literature and the 2023 Loft Mirrors and Windows Fellowship for writing books for BIPOC children and young adults. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and her Australian Cattle Dog, Ruby. Find her online at debrajeannestone.com or on Instagram @debra2036.

************************************************

It’s almost time for another Marvelous Middle Grade Monday. Won’t you join us? It’s here I share highlights from other individuals blogging about middle grade books. Many of the posts will have reviews, interviews, and tips on writing. Take a look at PAST MMGM POSTS.

It’s easy to get a spot in the lineup. Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and don’t forget to say what you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for that week’s MMGM.

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.