Chapters 1-8 Summary

Chapter 1:

The story begins in August 1954. The reader is introduced to the Watts family which consists of Paula Watts and her husband William. Paula and William have four children: Estelle Annette Watts aka Stell or Stell Ann; June Bentley Watts aka Jubie; Carolina Watts aka Puddin; and David William Watts aka Davie.

The family is preparing to leave their home in Charlotte, North Carolina to go on a vacation to Pensacola, Florida to visit Paula's brother Taylor.

Bill is packing the car and complains about the amount of luggage the females are taking on the trip. Stell has just received her driver's license and is eager to get behind the wheel. Going along with the family on the trip is Mary Luther, the family's black nanny and housekeeper. The trip to Florida is long. Along the way Jubie notices many signs...