Bauer does not use complicated techniques to tell her story; nevertheless, at its core, the story holds a multi-layered lesson in life. Skillful use of point of view, realistic characters, and symbolism impart understanding to the reader in an entertaining, down-home style. The first person narrative immediately involves the reader with Ellie's rise and fall of emotions. What Ellie sees, hears, and feels, the reader shares.

Further strengthening that bond are Ellie's less-than-perfect physical and personality traits. She is tall and pudgy, not a beauty queen. She says the wrong things, wears the wrong clothes, and embarrasses herself in public. She is not perfect and neither is her life. Ellie is not popular; she is unsure of herself around boys, her grades are average, and she has major problems with her father. Added to this is a quick wit and withering sense of humor, and Bauer...