Point of View

The narrative is written from the first-person point of view from Charlie’s perspective. The use of first-person narration is fitting as it lends more immediacy and intimacy to Charlie’s coming-of-age story. The perspective creates a strong narrative voice for Charlie. Readers can directly observe her frustration, her confidence, and her resolve as she moves forward in her journey.

The point of view also reinforces the meaning of the title that extends throughout the novel. Charlie wishes to have a real family. Having one means feeling that she belongs. Other characters try to tell Charlie that she has a real family in Colby, but it is not until she realizes this from her point of view that she realize that her wish has come true.

The point of view also supports the narrative’s structure of the hero’s journey. As Charlie is the...