This coming of age story of Eli and Delia is sweet, sad, moving, and beautiful.

Delia is protective of Eli when they are young and am accident makes him a target for bikes. Eli is protective of Delia when they are teenagers and warns her away from boys that might take advantage of her.

Eli and Delia, being first cousins, fall in love somewhere along the way. Knowing what can happen, they never act on anything (much).

There are a few moments when reading, I had to put down the book and mourn a bit. Eli did not deserve what happens to him.