Her mother dead, her father disinterested, the young heroine of this book makes her own way in the world. The world is small town Missouri prior to the Great Depression. Wonderfully drawn off-beat characters help her or, in some cases, threaten her, as she grows up in a summer's time.

This is a great book for all adults, young and old. Well-written, thoughtful, charming. The author is local so we were able to have her come to our meeting. She was very insightful and entertaining.