one child

Initially, we learn that Sheila was abandoned by her mother and lives with her father. When we first meet her, she is extremely disturbed and believed to be mentally challenged. Over the course of the novel, Sheila's teacher, Torey, gives her the time and attention needed to return to her old self..... the girl believed to be developmentally delayed is actually gifted. In the end, Sheila isn't admitted into the hospital, but rather, enrolled in a regular school.