This installment spans the title characters' senior, or twelfth grade, year in high school.

[1] The book, along with the entire Betsy-Tacy and Deep Valley series, was republished in 2000 by HarperTrophy with a new cover art illustrated by Michael Koelsch.

Joe's parents had died earlier, causing him to have to spend his time working to support himself and making him, in Betsy's opinion, proud.

The fall progresses with Tony and Joe both taking Betsy to various events, and soon it is time for the New Year's Eve dance.

Tony leaves school to go work on Broadway in New York, and Joe and Betsy end the year happily "almost engaged."

After meeting the first time and spending the evening together at Sunday Night Lunch, Mr. Kerr tells Mr. Ray that he has decided he's going to marry Tacy, no matter how long he has to wait.

Julia Ray spends the summer touring Europe and then studies opera in Germany while staying with a wealthy family in their castle.

Julia Ray, Betsy's older sister who is spending the year studying opera in Europe.

Membership in the Crowd varies, but generally includes Betsy, Tacy, Tib, Carney, Alice Morrison, Irma Biscay, Hazel Smith, Dennie Farisy, Dave Hunt, Cab Edwards and Tony Markham.