Ned Wallis

Ned Wallis is eleven years old when the novel begins. He was born in September, 1924. Ned is the only child of James and Martha Wallis. Ned loves to read and he is naturally curious. He enjoys reading National Geographic magazine because it shows him what the world outside Tyler, New York is like. Ned does chores after school for Mr. Scully, an elderly neighbor, and he considers Mr. Scully a friend. Ned is the only person who visits Mr. Scully in the nursing home after Mr. Scully suffers a stroke. He is sensitive to his environment and he cares greatly about the people in his life. He has a close relationship with both his parents, but he is especially close to his mother. Ned does not understand his mother's illness, but he accepts it as a part of life because his mother does not complain. During the...