Fifteen (novel) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Fifteen

First edition
Author	Beverly Cleary
Illustrator	Joe and Beth Krush
Country	United States
Language	English
Series	First Love
Publisher	William Morrow & Co.
Publication date	September 1, 1956
OCLC	429362334

Fifteen is a popular novel for young people written by Beverly Cleary. It was first published in 1956. The story is about a teenage girl who experiences her very first romantic relationship.

The book shows what life was like in the 1950s. It mentions things like cool cars, cozy sweaters, and meeting friends at soda shops. Even though it was written a long time ago, the book is still printed today. This is because its main idea about the ups and downs of growing up still connects with young readers.

The Story of Fifteen

The story of Fifteen follows a 15-year-old girl named Jane Purdy. She is a student at Woodmont High School in California. Jane really wishes she had a boyfriend, just like the popular girl, Marcy Stokes. Marcy is 16, blonde, and seems very confident.

Jane sometimes feels left out at her high school. She wishes she was as popular as the girls who go on dates. She also envies their confidence and their nicer clothes.

Jane Meets Stan

One day, Jane is babysitting. She meets a 16-year-old boy named Stan Crandall. Stan delivers pet food for a local store. Jane likes Stan right away. However, she doesn't think he will like her back because she feels very ordinary.

But then, Stan calls her! He asks her to go to the movies for their first date. Jane is very excited.

School Dance Drama

After school starts, Jane learns that Stan has another date for the first school dance. Her name is Bitsy. Jane gets very upset about this.

It turns out that Stan had asked Bitsy to the dance before he even met Jane. He felt like he couldn't cancel on her. After the dance, Stan tells Jane about his time with Bitsy. He says that Bitsy made fun of his job. Stan looked very pale when he said goodbye to Jane.

Later, Jane's friend Julie calls her. Julie tells Jane that Stan was rushed to the hospital. He had to have his appendix removed.

A Happy Ending

In the end, Stan makes sure Jane knows she is his girlfriend. He gives her his ID bracelet. This is a special symbol that means they are "going steady."

Main Characters

Here are some of the important characters you will meet in Fifteen:

Jane Purdy

Jane is the 15-year-old main character of the book. She has brown hair. She thinks her hair looks childish compared to Marcy's blonde hair. Jane also has a small wardrobe with only one special sweater.

She is surprised and happy when she starts dating Stan Crandall. Jane works part-time as a babysitter. She describes herself as a very ordinary girl. Jane doesn't like Marcy Stokes, the popular girl at her school. As she dates Stan, Jane starts to feel more confident. She learns that she doesn't need to compare herself to Marcy. Jane is a sophomore in high school.

Stanley "Stan" Crandall

Stan is a handsome 16-year-old boy. He works at a pet-food delivery shop called the Doggie Diner. He recently moved to Woodmont. Soon after, he starts dating Jane. He tells her that he thinks she is different from other girls.

Their relationship has a small problem for a short time. But in the end, Stan tells Jane that everything is okay. He is described as having brown hair, green eyes, and tanned skin. He is good-looking and friendly. Stan is a junior in high school.

Julie

Julie is Jane's best friend. She has freckles on her face. The book hints that she might be a bit overweight. She often tries to wear clothes that make her look thinner. Julie goes to the dance with a boy named Buzz. This might be the start of a relationship for them. Julie is also 15 years old and a sophomore, just like Jane.

Marcy Stokes

Marcy is 16 years old. She is the ultimate "guy's girl." Jane calls her "the cashmere sweater type," which was a popular trend. Marcy has blonde hair that she often tosses around when boys are near. She also has a very stylish wardrobe.

Marcy likes to make Jane feel small. She takes every chance to embarrass her. Even though Marcy is dating Greg, she seems jealous of Jane's relationship with Stan.

Buzz Bratton

Buzz is 16 years old and a junior. He is a little shorter than Jane and Julie. Buzz likes Jane and even kisses her, which upsets Stan. When Jane and Buzz were in middle school, he used to playfully tackle her. He would also steal the dishes she made in cooking class.

Gregory "Greg" Donahoe

Greg is 16 years old and Marcy's boyfriend. He seems to be good friends with both Jane and Stan.

Mr. Purdy

He is Jane's father. He enjoys taking care of his begonia garden and his cat, Sir Puss. Jane doesn't like how he tries to joke and talk too much, especially when Stan is around.

Mrs. Purdy

She is Jane's mother. Jane thinks her mother is too protective. She also dislikes that her mother never wears stockings.

Mr. Nibley

Mr. Nibley owns a popular ice cream shop called Nibley's Ice Cream Parlor. Jane feels that he still treats her like she is 11 years old.

Bitsy

Bitsy is Stan's former girlfriend. She is short and makes fun of Stan's job.

George

George is 15 years old and a sophomore. He has a big crush on Jane. He is two inches shorter than Jane. George carries his money in a purse. He is also very interested in science. Jane thinks he is about as romantic as a math test.

Images for kids

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  First edition cover of Fifteen