Richard Landerman

Kennedy's Kids Richard Landerman 1st edition

October 1959: John F. Kennedy huddles with his brother Bobby and a few confidantes in Hyannisport, plotting his 1960 run at the presidency. A continent away, in the small town of Yuba City, California, Alex Rodgers, a budding jazz pianist and aspiring writer, contemplates his future after high school. Meanwhile, his sister Allison, prompted by her slightly crazy civics teacher, wants to become the youngest delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, pledged to Kennedy. Events during the summer of 1960 force Alex to grow up. In rapid succession he falls hard for a new girlfriend, reels from the death of one of his best friends, loses his favorite English teacher and staunchest supporter, discovers a dark family secret, and is persuaded by Allison to go with her to the convention. John Kennedy's campaign for the presidency takes over their lives as she works to fulfill a pledge made on network television that she's going to help Kennedy carry the election in their heavily-Republican congressional district. Spend the summer with Alex and Allison; remember the music and movies of the times. Drop in on the convention, followed by John Kennedy's whistle stop in Alex's hometown on his famous campaign train tour through California. Tune in as Kennedy debates Richard Nixon for the first time on television. Watch as John Kennedy's date with destiny also change the lives of Alex and his sister.