When I was the same age as Susie Schnitzer, the protagonist, I read this book over and over. I identified strongly with Susie's moral stance and loved the idea of a secret room all my own. Now I recognize the novel's many flaws, but it is a fascinating period piece. The edition I have (from 2012) has a scholarly introduction so someone must be looking at Arnow's work. She is, of course, best known for her book, The Dollmaker. ( )