Melissa Goodwin's nickname was Mouse. She was shy and always let her friend Olivia take the lead. Olivia could talk her into doing most anything and that was how Melissa (Melly to her friends) found herself going to Camp Rockaway to learn more about playing drums. When Olivia became enamored with a boy Melly had to take a backseat and fend for herself. Could she make friends on her own and come out of her shell?

This was a delightful coming of age tale that explores the very real dynamic of the give and take of an adolescent friendship and the ups and downs of family life. I loved how Melly's character developed throughout the book as she seeks the courage to be her own voice.