Hobos, Beatniks, Greasers, Bohemians, and First Love

Twelve-year-old Luke and his little sister are living a happy life with their widowed father in southern California. But everything changes when their dad loses his job and has to hit the road to find work, leaving them in the care of their flighty aunt.

Things take a turn for the worse when their aunt abandons Luke and Riley with a nefarious character. After things become unbearable, Luke decides it's time to escape. Their only option is to try to find their father while avoiding authorities who would separate them.

During their epic journey, they meet a colorful and rich cast of characters who help them along the way. Each of these encounters has a rich effect on the siblings, and the children impact the lives of their new friends in turn.

Set in the time between the quiet 1950s and the tumultuous 1960s, the tale of the children's journey alternates between flash-forwards from ten years later that expose the reader to what became of everyone-some bittersweet, some tragic, and some happy.

Mensch is a compelling tale of two brave children on an amazing adventure that is sure to capture your heart.