Fiction Tuesday - Jean & Johnny

Fifteen-year-old Jean is astonished when a handsome Johnny whirls her around the dance floor. She's never given much thought to boys before; now Johnny is all that's on her mind. Finally she finds the courage to invite him to a dance. But the excitement of a new dress and a scheme to take Johnny's photograph cannot stop Jean's growing uneasiness that she likes Johnny a lot more than he likes her . . .

This high-school story, which is both funny and touching, is about a girl who lacks self-confidence, and a boy who has too much. An original YA.

I found this little gem in our Book Sale Room. Of course, as a kid I was always into Henry, Beezus and Ramona. This one was written in 1959. Oh, you could say it's dated but that's what makes it so fantastic. A slice of Americana that is so forgotten and yet so precious! Girls who made their own skirts and dresses just by seeing something on television. And yes, Jean is a fan girl. She has a dad who will tell her "He's not a real boy." And she's a lot smarter with or without glasses. Maybe its best to keep all those boys as a daydream. She accidentally finds herself at a dance and a boy to, named Johnny. 

I enjoyed how the family cared so much for each other. How the sisters were even helpful to each other. Of course, this meant doing the dishes together, having a room together. A time when money was tight and they knew what they had to do to make ends meet. And of course, gearing up for their future. 

I also liked the idea how Jean wanted to make friends all over the world, being a penpal. Of course, she loved collecting stamps, but she wanted to know what life was like somewhere else too. Even then boys are mean but girls can be tough too.