I want to be a writer...

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An excerpt:

     [Martha] adjusted herself, straightened her shoulders, bracing herself for what she was about to say, what she had not yet told anyone.  "I want to be a writer," she announced slowly and softly, "unlike Dad.  But it's a secret," she added quickly, her voice rising, indicating importance.

      Godbee tipped the brim of her straw hat back.  "How wonderful," she whispered.  "That's great.  A writer."

      Martha widened her eyes at the sea and blinked.  Telling someone made it seem real.  She nibbled on her bottom lip, holding back a smile.

~ from Olive's Ocean, by Kevin Henkes