This is the story of Diane's sophomore year in high school, of her family and friends, her disappointments and triumphs, her growing awareness of the world around her—and of the boy next door.

Diane wants to be like the girls in her crowd, but doesn't quote know how and, as a result, becomes rather shy and self-conscious. During that summer, Diane has her first real date, goes to her first real party, and survives the competition of a visiting glamor girl—in short, she is beginning to grow up; an experience she finds increasingly satisfying; though there are dark moments when her only real confidant seems to be Dynamite, her nondescript dog and inseparable companion.

This is a book for every girl who is going to be fifteen or who ever has been.