An addition to the Images of America series examines the sleepy towns of Fallbrook, DeLuz, and Rainbow, California, where the ground yielded vast crops that were shipped by rail across the U.S. and where a quiet, agricultural lifestyle can still be found. Original.

A National Book Award Finalist A Kirkus Reviews Best Books for Teens Fifteen-year-old Pearl DeWitt lives in Fallbrook, California, where it's sunny 340 days of the year, and where her uncle owns a grove of 900 avocado trees. Uncle Hoyt hires migrant workers regularly, but Pearl doesn't pay much attention to them...until Amiel. From the moment she sees him, Pearl is drawn to this boy who keeps to himself, fears being caught by la migra, and is mysteriously unable to talk. Then the wildfires strike.

Considers Navy Dept suit to retain title over land bordering Santa Margarita River, Calif., and subsequent congressional elimination of funds to prosecute the suit.