Phoenix, AZ Author Publishes Historical Fiction Novel

Author J.P. Barelli announces the release of his latest novel, "Street Prince", a poignant and cinematic exploration of poverty, abandonment, and the unbreakable spirit of a child lost in the margins of society.

Through the eyes of twelve-year-old Lamont Jackson, Barelli delivers a "tender portrait" of a boy forced to grow up in the shadows of tragedy. The story begins with a scribbled note and a devastating betrayal: Lamont's teenage mother, Letty, abandons him at birth, leaving him to be raised by his devoted grandmother, Elma. However, the fragile stability of his world shatters when his estranged mother returns-not to provide love, but to sow chaos.

A Descent into the Unforgiving Streets
The narrative follows Lamont as he is torn from the only home he has ever known. Led by a mother spiraling through addiction and fraud, the children are thrust into a world of seedy flop houses and subsidized housing. As Letty disappears for days at a time, Lamont becomes the primary protector of his five-year-old brother, Ivory, and their toddler sister.

The stakes reach a fever pitch when a devastating fire ravages their apartment, leaving Lamont alone, traumatized, and running for his life through icy city streets. Driven by a desperate hope to reunite his fractured family and earn the trust of a young girl named Esmaria, Lamont must rely on grit and street smarts to survive.

About the Author
J.P. Barelli brings an extraordinary depth of experience to his writing. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, his career spans the heights of the legal system and the depths of spiritual service. Barelli's professional background includes:
- Legal Expertise: Juris Doctorate (UMKC); served as Assistant Prosecutor, Senior Corporate Attorney, Supervising Public Defender, and Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore.
- Theological Foundation: Master's in Applied Orthodox Theology and currently serves as an ordained Roman Catholic Deacon and Chaplain.
- Diverse Interests: A commercial pilot and graduate of SMU and the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Barelli's unique vantage point-having seen the law from the bench and the human soul from the chaplaincy-infuses "Street Prince" with a raw, authentic humanity that is rarely captured in contemporary fiction.

"Street Prince" is a 610-page paperback with a retail price of $34.00 (eBook $29.00). The ISBN is 979-8-89127-768-7. Published by Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For members of the press, to request a review copy or author interview, please visit https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/pages/media-requests or to buy the book, visit our online bookstore at https://bookstore.dorrancepublishing.com/products/street-prince For more information on publishing services, please visit https://www.dorrancepublishing.com/