Where Are You When I Need You?

During her senior year, gifted student Missy Cord begins to have second thoughts about leaving her home in Tucker, N.C., to attend college. Although her mother and teachers agree that it is important that Missy continue her education, straightlaced Gramma and staunchly religious Uncle Tate are opposed to the idea. Missy's own doubts increase as she becomes romantically involved with longtime friend Jim, whose aspirations go no further than passing the 12th grade and working on his father's fishing boat. The traditions and old-fashioned values permeating Missy's small, conservative town add a nostalgic flavor to this contemporary novel. Minor characters prove to be more colorful than the protagonist, whose abilities as an outstanding student are never thoroughly demonstrated. Although the plot offers few surprises, Newton ( I Will Call It Georgie's Blues ; M.V. Sexton Speaking ) does provide a refreshing change from problem novels that deal with more dramatic issues. From the onset, readers are assured that Missy will overcome her conflicts and make sensible choices about her future. Ages 12-up. (Mar.)