Year of the Cafeteria

By: Mary Alexander Walker

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Synopsis: “Misery is moving from your hometown when you’re a senior in high school,” Azure says. Azure’s hometown has been sleepy Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, where her ancestors were slaves. But to her, “golden” California, where her grandmother lives, is just brown hills! An excellent student, Azure likes drama and rock music and has a yen for motorcycle rides. It is inevitable that she will clash with her grandmother, Miss Abby, who runs the school cafeteria. Past the counter of the cafeteria where Azure works stream the personalities who move into her life: Zack, with a heart like an artichoke—a leaf for everyone; artistic Betsy, who can hardly pass English; Ray John, the track man; the beautiful “long blonde,” a special thorn in Azure’s side; and Mr. “Woolly Bear” Moray, the drama director. Azure’s grandmother tries to teach her that life is unreasonable, and that she must be prepared for the unexpected. It is a difficult lesson for Azure to learn. But the time comes when she must cope, and she finds that surprises can be both horrible and wonderful. Rich, warm characterizations in a poignant story.