Snyder develops a theme of unconditional friendship in the novel, demonstrating the unique ability of children to form communities that compensate for a lack of family structure and affection. Although April tries to hide her longing for the father she never knew, her hurt at her mother's neglect, and her insecurity in her new surroundings, she finds an extended family through the friendships of the Egypt group. Melanie Ross, a black eleven-year-old, accepts her friendship despite April's bragging, lying, strange manner of dress, and eccentric behavior. They soon become as close as sisters. April accepts Melanie's four-year-old brother, Marshall, as one of the gang on equal terms. The girls add a newcomer of Chinese descent, nineyear-old Elizabeth Chung, to their gang almost from the minute they meet her, and they even accept two eleven-yearold boys, Ken Alvillar and Toby Kamataj into the Egypt Game. April and...