12 year old Stacy is angry and bitter. She is mad at her mom for taking off and not coming back, she is upset with Dad for getting re-married to Barbara, and she is angry at Barbara for being pregnant with Dad’s child. Stacy feels unwanted and unappreciated at home, so she decides to run away. Stacy just sets off one day, with nothing except her hat. Oklahoma summers can be brutal, and Stacy could kick herself for not even bringing water. She walks quite a ways, until she can’t walk anymore.
Stacy falls asleep, and is woken up by a pair of big dogs. The dogs lead her to Ella, an old lady, living on a homestead. Ella is surprised to see her, considering that Stacy’s home is 15 miles away. At any rate, Ella doesn’t judge. Stacy stays on with Ella, and helps around the house. She also helps Nimue, the female dog, to deliver her puppies. During this time, Ella and Stacy become friends, and they learn a lot from each other. Stacy realizes that everyone has problems, and that running away from those problems doesn’t do any good. Stacy also learns that although life can be full of heartache, it can also be a great joy. A very good coming-of-age novel. Recommended for readers in Grades 5-8.
