A summer in Tarrytown, N.Y., is a lot of fun for ten-year-old Sheila even though her friends make her face up to some self-truths she doesn't want to admit.
Peter Hatcher has a very big problem, his younger brother, Fudge. Peter feels unappreciated because Fudge gets all the attention, but when Fudge eats Peter's pet turtle, that is the limit.
While spending the winter of 1947-48 in Miami Beach with her family, ten-year-old Sally makes up stories, casts herself in starring roles in movies, and encounters a sinister stranger.
The Pain and the Great One are on the move as they go to the mall and get separated, ride the super slide at the county fair, and boogie board at the beach.