The narrator, Sophie, shares her childhood story growing up with her single mother, a model, and her younger sister, June, who was born with Stargardt disease, a condition that affects her vision. Sophie's mother is often busy and leaves Sophie to care for June, who faces bullying and social isolation due to her condition. As Sophie enters her teenage years, she starts to feel the weight of responsibility for June and longs for a normal social life. She meets a boy named Philip, who becomes her boyfriend and is kind to June. However, Sophie's mother embarrasses her in front of their school, and Sophie begins to realize that her mother is not the perfect parent she thought she was. When June is accepted into a school for gifted kids in New York City, Sophie is initially hesitant to let her go but eventually understands that it's the best decision for June's future. The story concludes with Sophie coming to terms with her complicated relationship with her mother and her role as June's caretaker, ultimately supporting June's decision to attend the new school.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Sophie is from Ohio.
2. Sophie's father left her and her mother when Sophie was young.
3. Sophie's mother was a famous model.
4. Sophie's mother raised her alone.
5. Sophie's mother was known for being beautiful and strong.
6. Sophie's sister, June, was born when Sophie was in the second grade.
7. June was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a condition that affects vision.
8. June had to wear bulky glasses to help with her vision.
9. Sophie protected June from bullies and helped her with daily tasks.
10. June struggled to make friends due to her condition.
11. Sophie's friends would often exclude June or make fun of her glasses.
12. Sophie met a boy named Philip who was kind to June and became Sophie's boyfriend.
13. Philip helped June in a situation where she was almost hit by a car.
14. Sophie's mother was busy with work and often relied on Sophie to care for June.
15. Sophie's mother was embarrassed by June's condition and often avoided talking about it.
16. Sophie and June were grounded by their mother for the entire summer break.
17. June was invited to a sleepover and asked to go by herself.
18. Sophie and Philip attended a party, but Sophie's mother showed up and publicly scolded Sophie for leaving June alone.
19. Philip defended Sophie, but she became angry and stormed off.
20. The school principal told Sophie that June was a genius and had been accepted into a school for gifted kids in New York City.
21. June chose to attend the school in New York City and would be moving away from Sophie and their mother.
22. Sophie was initially upset but eventually came to realize that the school would be a good fit for June and would provide her with opportunities and support.
23. Sophie apologized to Philip for her behavior and they reconciled.
24. June left for her new school, and Sophie was left to deal with her own emotions and relationships.