Megan Kelso's work fits roughly into two camps: personal and semi-autobio stories that draw heavily on the details of her childhood and adolescence, and stories about the idea of America and American history. Inner need cohabits uneasily with real-life obligation, harsh decisions betray ideals, and the illusion of innocence soon gives way. A single mother follows her muse (or her demons) and abandons her children; a well-mannered child cleans her room -- but not without exacting revenge on her stuffed bear; a seventh grader finds that learning to dance isn't a dreary chore but a transcendent flight. Plus special guest star Alexander Hamilton! The spare expressiveness of Kelso's drawings perfectly compliments the intimacy of her writing, to create characters who will linger in your memory. 15 stories, including two done especially for this volume. Full color.

136 pages.