It was the American author's first book for children, completed at the midpoint of nearly two decades living in England and Switzerland.

[2] Although set in her hometown Euclid, Ohio, it was not published in her native country until 1995 (HarperCollins), after she won the annual Newbery Medal recognizing Walk Two Moons as the preceding year's best American children's book.

After discovering this information, Mary Lou finds it easier to examine her struggles with her family, her friends, and herself.

[4] (Children's Literature) Mary Lou's efforts to make sense of Homer's Odyssey add depth and delight to the story, ... She sees parallels in her own experiences that adds to the comic elements in this original coming of age story.

Creech has remained true to Mary Lou, who is a different narrator, and one who will win many fans of her own.

Tightly written, nary a word out of place, by turns sarcastic, tender, and irreverent, this a real piece of comedy about contemporary teen life from one funny writer.