Katie, a fourteen-year-old only child, is leading a happy, although uneventful, life as a typical high school freshman. Her best friend, Heather, is puzzled by Katie's crush on Mr. Herron, a graying, middle-aged English teacher.

The author reveals very little about Mr. Herron's personality. We learn only superficial facts about him—such as that he drinks his coffee black.

Through Katie's eyes we see only the outer shell of him, as if we, too, are blinded by Katie's crush. Mrs. Herron is described as a compulsive neatnik who seems to spend every waking hour scrubbing, polishing, and putting things away. The reader learns little else about her, but may wonder why she needs help with housekeeping.

Cousin Martin is described as owl-like in appearance, blinking behind thick glasses. A somber man who reveals little about himself, he makes Katie wonder if he ever...