D Foster comes from a completely different world than the other two girls and life takes on a new meaning for them after they meet her. D's foster mother allows her much more freedom than the other two girls enjoy and they envy her that freedom. As the girls band together to search for their "Big Purpose in Life," they begin to explore the city and discover a different world that includes loss, broken families, and new neighborhoods and ways of life.

Shortly after the girls turn thirteen, D's biological mother shows up to reclaim her and take her away from New York and they discover that D's last name wasn't really foster, and maybe nothing was as it seemed. Racial, drug and family issues are explored in this gripping story which helps us to realize how brief encounters with others can drastically change our lives and our outlook on life.

Jacqueline Woodson brings us right into the world of these girls from Queens and their dreams and ambitions become ours in this provocative story. Her other novels about African-American teens look equally engaging. She is very perceptive and really knows the territory.