Annette Goode is a young African American girl growing up in Florida in the 1950's. When Annette's father leaves the family for another woman, his desertion sparks her mother's decision to leave Florida for Richland, Ohio. In Richland, Mrs. Goode feels that she can make a better life for herself and her child. In order to supplement her income, Mrs. Goode brings a boarder to live with the family, a one legged man named Mr. Boatwright. Unbeknownst to Mrs. Goode, Mr. Boatwright begins to molest Annette, threatening her with reprisal if she tells anyone about his actions. Although Annette pleads with Mr. Boatwright to stop molesting her, Mr. Boatwright threatens her with a gun and warns her that he knows how to use it. Annette's life changes forever when she makes friends with her neighbour, the beautiful Rhoda Nelson. Annette, who has always been told she is ugly and fat, can't believe that a good looking, special girl like Rhoda wants to be her best friend. Before long Rhoda and Annette are inseparable. When Annette confides in Rhoda and tells her about Mr. Boatwright's molestation, Rhoda takes matters into her own hands and exacts her own brand of justice. | ||
Plot & Themes Tone of book? - depressed Time/era of story - 1930's-1950's Kids growing up/acting up? Yes Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Age group of kid(s) in story: - grade school Parents/lack of parents problem? Main Character Gender - Female Age: - a kid Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 5 () United States Yes The US: - Midwest Small town? Yes Writing Style Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only - descript of kissing - actual description of hetero sex - rape/molest Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |