The only daughter in a family of eight children, May Amelia is a bit of a tomboy who enjoys fishing and doing farmyard chores. When her family decides that it is time for May Amelia to begin acting like a lady, she is not fond of the idea, and rebels. This story, set in 19th-century Washington State, is based on the life of the author's aunt. — Outside the window the sky is black and the stars are winking at me. I watch the fireflies dancing in the field and realize my birthday is nearly over, and I haven't made my secret birthday wish yet. Mamma says that a wish made on a birthday always comes true. I don't know about that, though, Last year I wished for Kaarlo to stop being so mean to me all the time, but he's still the same mean old Kaarlo. Still, it can't hurt to try. I think hard but it's an easy wish. I can't tell anyone, not even Wilbert and he is my very best brother. I can't tell him because he'll never understand what it is like to be me, May Amelia Jackson, the only Jackson girl, and the only girl in Nasel. I squeeze my eyes tight and wish hard with my heart that Mamma has a little baby girl so that I can have a sister. I just made my birthday wish, I whisper, But Wilbert and Wendell aren't listening to me. They're too busy snoring.