AROUND THERE ON SOUTH FOURTH STREET

Around There On South Fourth Street reveals the happenings of three preteen African-American youngsters, Joy, Glenda Marie, and Jamaal, as they spend their summer vacation in Suffolk, Virginia with Eva and Pervis Tazell, Joy's grandparents. Joy loved to wake up to the smell of fresh county air and the scent of the magnolia blossoms that hang heavily from the huge magnolia tree that stood in the middle of her grandparents wide and grassy yard. Glenda Marie was from New York and Jamaal had lived in Suffolk all his life. The trio became involved with a mysterious and mystical character named TJ Jones and his faithful mule Josie. TJ's hillbilly and rag-tag appearance, secretive actions, broken English often left them wondering how TJ seems to know things and, no matter what the situation, show up just at the right time. His wisdom and kindliness clench the minds of the three youths as they share adventures each and every day but they just couldn't figure out TJ. Each time school was out and it was time for summer vacation, Joy breathed a sigh of relief each time she visited her grandparents in Suffolk. Her home was in Eatontown, New Jersey where she lived with the cruelty of her Father, Jasper who was an Army Sargent. Anger, bitterness, and loneliness developed and found a home in her soul because of the cruel and meant treatment of her father. But, each summer, she's rescued by her grandparents who are also the parents of her deceased Mother, Arvis, who Joy dearly missed. When the school bell in Eatontown rang for the last time, Joy looked forward to the train ride to the city of Suffolk were mysteries were unraveled and problems seemed to disappear. It was a city where old friends met new friends, where traditions are keenly observed and honored. Old buildings stood quietly and majestically as if wordlessly guarding age-old secrets. Suffolk was a city of forest, massive fields, ageless tales, playful adventures, plots and secrets. Every day was a new discovery of pleasantness and blood curdling mystery. Read more