content: I first read this book in a Childrens Literature Course at Arizona State University. From the beginning of the book I was drawn into the story. The style of the writing is what drew me in (almost like a collection of poetry). To take journey into Billie Jo's life and witness her "real life" experiences is what makes this book so excellent. Her life events could happen to anyone. This book is so good that I plan on using it as a read aloud/literature study book with my fourth grade students during the spring semester.