The reader gets to know a variety of characters through this story, although the plot revolves around Teddie, Grace, Rob, and Julia. Momma and Poppa and Hannah play major supporting roles, and everyone from Tinnie, the dog, to Billy, the baby, to Babe, the vamp, enhance the plot.

Meyer skillfully portrays the major characters. Teddie is reflective, clever, caring, independent and determined.

She suffers through the summer as she tries to learn her womanly duties. At the same time, she never loses her drive to be a flyer, her ability to dream up novel solutions to problems, and her dream of a different life. Grace, who is obsessed with reading and writing poetry, secretively loves Rob (Teddie's brother), and she talks about how to please a man. She is dominated by her gossiping, controlling mother, while her father adds prejudice and opportunism to the...