This looks to be a classic coming of age story in the nature of "To Kill a Mockingbird" where the soft sounds of crickets and the oppressive heat of a southern summer slows down everything but the hatred and racial tension. I loved that the author lets us know how much Pete looks up to and admires his dad and the imagery she creates with the peacefulness of a porch checker game to the horror of the accident is pure wonder. I was pulled into the story immediately.