Can a friend be somebody whom no one else likes but you?

Pearl is thrilled to be singled out by popular Lenore, and doesn't even mind when Lenore gets her into trouble. However, when Lenore starts showing a mean streak--blaming Pearl for her own mess, and bullying Pearl's less privileged friend Artemisia--Pearl begins to understand how true friends behave. Set against the background of the Civil Rights movement, this is a sweet story about a loving family and community. Pearl and her friends feel very genuine, as does the constant parade of groundings and squabbles which shake up the Jordan household. ( )