This story of a young woman's coming of age in a small Midwestern town at the turn of the century, first published in 1922. Challenged by middle-class economic hardship, distrust of her unhappy parents, and the unjust social status of women, the intelligent and strong-willed heroine struggles to attain a sense of herself. Her triumph, as she leaves for college and a career as teacher and writer, is the triumph of all children who refuse to relive the mistakes of their parents.