Little Women in Transit

Dad's driving and mom's napping in the front seat of the family station wagon as they head through the Palisades. In the middle seat are three sisters, Dana, Jenny, and Lisa. Behind them is all their vacation gear. Jen, the middle sister who's also seated between her sibs, is soon to be a seventh grader. She's writing a story in her notebook; she's wearing her first bra. Dana, her older sister, starts to tease her. Should Jenny defend herself? And what about Dana's taunting her about Louisa May Alcott, Jen's favorite writer? Does Alcott need defending? If so, are any weapons at Jen's disposal? —<jhailey@hotmail.com>