First You Like Me Author:Mickey Klar Marks, Bernice Loewenstein (Illustrator) Summer has always been the time of year for trips to the woods, swimming, fishing and cookouts, bottling bugs and beetles for the collection. — This summer is different. It is time for Dodie Lewis to change from a carefree tomboy into a young girl. And this summer her parents are keeping a secret -- one that causes Dodie to fear she will lose her... more » father's love.
But there is fun this summer, too. There is Cousin Linda's wedding, and the white elephant sale. And there are Dodie's friends: Sara who is utterly feminine, Pete who is happy and cheerful but knows how to be quiet at the right time. Then there is Miss Applegate, the lonely spinster who lives in the mysterious Big House. Dodie and Miss Applegate help each other to unravel some of their problems.
All summer Dodie feels that little pieces of her are being taken away. But at last she understands that they are being replaced by new pieces -- very grown-up ones. All young girls growing up will understand, too, and be intrigued by her story.« less