The House on Rondo

Finally young people can learn about the widespread, devastating practice of cities sacrificing Black communities for interstate highway construction. In this book of historical fiction for middle school, Stone draws on her own family history in Rondo, St. Paul.

In her preface to The House on Rondo she writes, “We were the houses of blues and jazz and rock and roll and jitterbug dancing, where families applauded, celebrated, and praised themselves when no one else would.”

The story centers on 13-year-old Zenobia who stays with her grandparents in the summer of 1963. Through Zenobia, readers see the diversity of the Black neighborhood and the joys and challenges of daily life — and therefore can feel the pain when the eviction notices start coming to make way for Interstate 94. Stone showcases stories of resistance and how people did all they could to remain connected after the town was destroyed. [From Rethinking Schools.]

ISBN: 9781517919306 | University of Minnesota Press

Praise

An essential history of community and resistance has come to life in Debra J. Stone’s novel about a young girl fighting to save her grandparents’ home. The House on Rondo isn’t just for kids — it’s for all of us. — Shannon Gibney, author of Dream Country

Humans, houses, and history come alive in Debra J. Stone’s beautiful and personal novel, The House on Rondo. Stone dazzles with collected and recollected details, captivating characters, and authentic emotions. The House on Rondo is one of those books that stays with you. It’s an act of remembering that changes how you think about people and places. It’s one of those books you want everyone to read. — Michael Kleber-Diggs, author of Worldly Things

The House on Rondo brings Minnesota history to life, revealing long-hidden truths about our collective past. Through young Zenobia, we see and experience the vibrance of Rondo, the thriving neighborhood of Black homeowners and businesses that was destroyed to build I-94 between Minneapolis and Saint Paul. For many, this might be the first time they encounter the story of Rondo, and I couldn’t think of a better way to introduce this chapter of our history to readers of all ages. Debra J. Stone’s book is a love letter to Rondo, an ode to the strength and vitality of Black communities, and a gift to Minnesotans and to readers everywhere who are willing to look their own messy history in the eye — and learn from it in order to fight for a better world. — Molly Beth Griffin, award-winning author of Silhouette of a Sparrow