Street Family

Jones's new novel surpasses even her award-winners, Whistle Down a Dark Lane, A Matter of Spunk and other vital works. The author compels readers to care about what happens to the people who live under a Los Angeles freeway, ""by fate or the hand of God,'' and become a street family. Teenagers Chancy and Joshua, who have both fled from abusive home environments, join the regulars, a group of outcasts who have set up a ``living space.'' Chancy has survived an attack by a rapist-killer and escaped from a pimp. Nelly, a crusty old bag lady, and the otherstwo jobless buddies and Doc, a drinking, traumatized Vietnam vetaren't particularly welcoming to the new arrivals, afraid the kids will eat too much of their meager food. But Chancy's driving ambition to create a real family generates a spirit of unity among the homeless. With Joshua, Chancy ventures into the city in search of work and meets people who become allies, and manages to drag Doc out of his stupor to help her plans. The reader's concern remains fixed on Jones's family, who remind readers of so many humans like them, society's rejects. Ages 12-up. (August)