The following essay discusses the literary collaboration of Vera and Bill Cleaver.

Vera and Bill Cleaver's novels consistently present young adult readers with realistic characters who are seeking to understand their place within their society and the family. The main characters, all between the ages of ten and sixteen, are beset both with the inner conflicts of adolescence and with the external obstacles of difficult family relationships and economic problems. The young heroines and heroes find themselves surrounded by stubbornly stagnant families and communities, mostly in small southern towns, that emit a stifling dullness. Despite what for many would be overwhelming circumstances, they preserve and exert their newly found individuality with uncommon, but not unbelievable, resourcefulness and intelligence. The Cleavers offer young adult readers sensitive, insightful characters with whom to identify, with whom to join on the turbulent voyage of growing up responsible.

Like their most memorable heroine...