Sequel to "Cecilia's Year." In 1930s rural New Mexico, Cecilia happily begins her first year in high school with her cousin Belle. She loves school and reading but must balance them with her many responsibilities at home, especially given that Mama appears not to support her dreams of obtaining an education and someday working in the city. Among the other major events in her life this year: Mama gives birth to twins only to lose one to whooping cough; Tia Sara gets married; and the Gonzalez family takes in a migrating Oklahoma family that is down on its luck. Cecilia also pines for classmate Johnny Tafoya who has been out of touch since leaving for El Paso. Another wholesome, positive entry in a planned trilogy.