- Jamie might only be twelve years old, but that doesn't mean she doesn't know about war… or so she thinks.
- She's super excited when her older brother, TJ gets to ship off to Vietnam and fight a real war, gun included. In fact, she wishes she could enlist too. Time for a history snack: It's the 1960s and the Vietnam War is in full swing, but not everybody is happy about it.
- The day after TJ leaves, Jamie meets Private Hollister at the rec center.
- You see, Jamie and her family live on a military base since her dad is a big-shot colonel.
- Since she's volunteering at the rec center for the summer, she figures she better do something to pass the time.
- What's better than a game of gin rummy?
- Private Hollister's the one who suggests it, actually, unaware that Jamie knows more than a thing or two about cards.
- He has a sister about her age and figures she looks younger than she is. Pshaw—Jamie will show him not to mess with her.
- While he's shooting the breeze and learning about her family, Private Hollister doesn't notice how well Jamie's doing in cards.
- Knock. (Hint: that's how you win at gin rummy. It's no joke). She's beat Hollister. In your face, army boy.
- He's surprised—partly because she's a girl, and partly since she's young. They'll have to go head-to-head again soon.
- Jamie knew she had what it took to win. She knows pretty much everything, even though she's only twelve.