Phoebe is content to tell her goat fairy tales and
fantasize about Michael, the older boy who works on her family’s farm. All of
these plans change the day her father tells her that there will be a girl
coming to live with the family for the summer. Melita is the daughter of her
mother’s best friend. Phoebe is having a hard time understanding this because
she has never heard of this friend. Her mother died when she was a toddler and
her father is very closed off about her death. The fact that her mother had a
best friend who was an actress baffles her. Melita is coming to stay while her
mom gets treatment for depression.

The
girls hit it off after a few awkward days and Phoebe is fascinated with her new
city friend. Melita is open to trying new things on the farm and makes Phoebe
realizes that there may be bigger things out there for her as well. As the
girls grow closer, Phoebe begins to wonder if her feelings for her new friend
go beyond platonic. Shouldn’t she be feeling this way about boys? The author
could have made Phoebe’s confusion tawdry but instead chose a thoughtful
approach that allows the reader to make his or her own decision about Phoebe’s
new feelings.

When
Melita’s mother arrives to take her home, Phoebe is heartbroken. She is invited
to visit them in New York City, which gives her the opportunity to learn more
about her mother. Her feelings for Melita come to a head while in New York and
Phoebe is forced to confront them.

Phoebe’s
feelings toward Melita may stem from the fact that she’s never had a close
female friend. She has not been exposed to women the way she has men and
because of this, she may be confusing her feelings. This difficult topic is
written about in a sincere and responsible manner.

© 2006 Amy Ridley

Amy Ridley
received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Boston University.

Categories: Children