Make Lemonade by Virginia Euwer Wolff

Make Lemonade is a novel written in verse.  It is a story of two young girls, one looking to save money so she can attend college and get out of the poverty she lives in, the other is a teenage mother with few prospects for improving her life.  LaVaughn applies for the role of babysitter of Jolly's children.  At first LaVaughn regrets her decision to take the job, but soon she is wrapped up in Jolly's life and falls in love with her children.  Not willing to accept Jolly's station in life, LaVaughn encourages Jolly to attend school and accept the aid of others for her children's sake.  This story touches the heart and warms the soul.