Goldblatt, Stacey

Natalie's mother, a veterinarian with a dogs-only practice, has the sixteen-year-old on such a short leash that, when the teenaged son of her old school friend comes to stay with them for the summer, Natalie is tempted to break her mother's rules and follow her own instincts for a change.

Fifteen-year-old Molly gains support from her extended Irish American family and enlightenment in Girl Corps philosophy and activities, as she deals with a cheating boyfriend and overbearing best friend.

Natalie's mother, a veterinarian with a dogs-only practice, has the sixteen-year-old on such a short leash that, when the teenaged son of her old school friend comes to stay with them for the summer, Natalie is tempted to break her mother's rules and follow her own instincts for a change.