[2] The book captures the innocent spirit of life in the 1950s, both through the playfully light storyline and the casual references to convertibles, sweaters, "meeting boys", and soda shops.

Regardless, the book remains in print today because its overall theme of difficult adolescent feelings still connects with young readers.

Jane feels somewhat left out of social circles at her high school, and envies the more popular girls who go out on dates, seem more confident and wear more expensive clothes.

One day while babysitting, Jane meets 16-year-old Stan Crandall, who is a delivery boy for a pet-food store.

Later, her best friend Julie calls Jane on the phone to tell her Stan was rushed to the hospital and had his appendix out.

While dating Stan, Jane discovers that she doesn't have to compare herself unfavorably to Marcy, and her confidence increases.

He had recently moved to Woodmont from the city and soon starts a relationship with Jane, and tells her he thinks she's different from most girls.

Stan has brown hair, green eyes, tanned skin, and is described as good looking and friendly.

She has freckles on her face and it's hinted that she may be overweight, as she has a hard time dieting and often tries to wear clothes that make her look thinner.

She has blonde hair which she always tosses in front of boys, as well as a stylish wardrobe with several cashmere sweaters.

When Jane and Buzz were in middle school, he would tackle her and steal the dishes she would prepare in cooking class and take home for her folks to taste.

George carries his money in a purse, is obsessed with science and is about as romantic as a math test.