Set typically in america this is a young person's book, I would suggest aimed at girls. Well that is when I first read it. The fact that this book of the many that I purchased over the years is still in my posession says much about the staying power of the story and the quality of the writing, the is not the babbysitters club franchise. (books that you read only in teen years)
What I remember the most, here I have to admit that I have not actual;ly reread the book for years, is the echoing lonleness and desolation that judy manages to give the character, Yet still managing to have a little simple joy, like jumpin up and down to break in new walking books.
Judy blume is a good writer, not just a good writer for teen's.

Judy Blume was my favorite author when I was young. It was nice to read a book of hers that I had never read before. This was one of her more serious books. I feel that it accurately portraits a family coping with the loss of a loved one. ( )

15-year-old Davey's life is shattered when her father is murdered. As the first person on the scene Davey has vivid memories of the night but has no one to talk to about it. Davey's mother withdraws into herself, to the extent that she accepts the offer of her in-laws to stay with them. Thus begins a long road to acceptance for Davey and her family. Davey is helped along the way by Mr Ortiz, who is dying of cancer, and his son. ( )

I loved this book. It was like my first adult book, and I could read it without worrying about upsetting my mother.
Davey's father dies, and they all thrown into mourning. Actually he doesn't just die, he was killed. Davey sleeps with a bread knife under her pillow and gets panic attacks in school. Her mother can barely function and remains in a drug induced supour in the months following her husband's murder.
The fear and hopelessness Davey felt after her father is killed stayed with me. I referenced her sleeping with the bread knife under her pillow, and almost forget where I got that image.
I haven't read this in years, I'm due for a re-read. ( )

After Davey's father is killed in a hold-up, she and her mother and younger brother visit relatives in New Mexico. Here Davey is befriended by a young man who helps her find the strength to carry on and conquer her fears.