Texas

Texas is the overarching backdrop of the entire novel. The novel does not focus heavily on descriptions of the landscape or climate, but it is important that Eliana lives in a warm location so she can continue swimming year-round. There are several adverse weather events throughout the narrative.

Indiana

Viv moves to Indiana after her father has an affair. Neither Viv nor Eliana understood why Viv needed to move, but neither girl was excited about the change. Eliana often dreams of going to Indiana to be with her friend and get away from her family. She is inspired by the positive changes Viv has made in her social life since leaving Texas.

School

Eliana despises going to middle school because the other girls and boys are cruel and bully her throughout the day. While the entire day is filled with teasing, Eliana has an especially difficult time in...