The novel opens with a preface that describes Elmwood Springs, Missouri, in 1948. The story jumps to 1973 as the news that the famous cousin, Dena Nordstrom, plans to visit. Called “Baby Girl” by her family, Dena, a newscaster, doesn’t visit as a result of an alcoholic blackout. The story tells of the effects of good, evil, peace, and turmoil on small-town America. Though not as multi-leveled as Fried Green Tomatoes, the novel offers insights into human nature and keeps the reader involved in the different plot twists and turns.

 

Students examine the literary concepts of plot development, exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and epiphany. They also create original settings, write a letter, and examine the ethics of the media.  

 

Supplementary materials include essay topics and an objective test with answer key.