Location, Diner, Slumber Party, Summary and Analysis

In "Location," when Zippy is in second-grade, she meets Dana, who just moved from Los Angeles to Mooreland. Zippy describes Dana as having a completely finished face and is fascinated by her wardrobe and shiny brown hair. Dana's family lives in the only new house in town that is on half an acre. Over time, Dana steals away Zippy's friends, leaving her to resort to lower-tier friends. When Dana tries to steal Julie away, Zippy finally takes a stand. After Dana is beaten by Julie in a game of HORSE, Zippy invites Dana to ride bikes together, pulling off a political coup. Dana and Zippy become friends—even adopting the same speech impediment. Dana comes from a family that is different than Zippy's. Her parents work at the new Chrysler factory, are atheists and...