While David and Jonathan is unique among Voigt's young adult novels in subject matter and level of sophistication, its theme of friendship and growth through interpersonal relationships is repeated in other books she has written. Dicey's Song relates the story of fourteen-year-old Dicey who is a loner in her high school until she develops a friendship with classmate Wilhemina (Mina) Smiths. Dicey is burdened with the responsibility of caring for two younger brothers and a sister, is harassed and preoccupied by money worries, and is hardened by the years of growing up with a missing father and a mentally ill mother. Her classmates see her as a skinny kid in outlandishly poor clothing, distant and aloof, and are content to leave her alone. However, Mina looks beneath Dicey's tough exterior to discover Dicey's wit, strength of character, loyalty, and resourcefulness. Through their friendship, Dicey becomes less...