Coming of Age

Hattie has a birthday in July. She ages physically from eleven to twelve. But Hattie also matures dramatically and notes that it can be at least partly attributed to Adam's presence in her life. Hattie doesn't know about Adam until shortly before his arrival, and she is filled with questions about him. Hattie encourages Adam to slip out of the house in order to go to the carnival and he does, but with disastrous consequences. Hattie is later talking to Nana, who says that Hattie should have known better. Hattie is furious and says that everyone keeps saying she should have known better, but that she's still just a child. Despite her words, Hattie realizes that she should have known better. She admits to herself that Nana is right, though she can't yet admit it to others. Hattie asks to speak during Adam's funeral. She talks...