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   Ten-year-old Lou Dean with the help of her faithful dog, Shorty, devises a plan to stop her parents' divorce.  This true story of struggle and acceptance is a coming-of-age story that will remain forever in your memory.

     Half-way up the gravel road that morning I decided Shorty and I would just take off and hide.  I was mad at Mama.  How could she have some boyfriend? 

     "You aren't hiding, Little Girl,"  Sis said, giving me a shove when I started to exit nonchalantly behind the splintered granary.

     When the car appeared at the cattle guard I stopped and stared.  "I don't like him," I said.

     Bub let out a husky laugh that rolled over the field.  "You must have real good eyesight, Sissy.  I can't even see him yet."  

     "Well,"  I said in a huff, "I don't like him.  Neither does Shorty."  My dog thumped his tail against my leg in agreement.  Then, in an attempt to have some control over the situation I blurted,  "Shorty and I are gonna stop this divorce."