Me and the Pumpkin Queen — Marlane Kennedy

Mildred's Guide to Growing a Giant Pumpkin

1. Get the right seeds. These days, no one grows a Pumpkin Show winner without Howard Dill's Atlantic Giant seeds.

2. Convince your dad that having a pumpkin patch in your backyard is a good idea.

3. Make sure that your dogs stay far, far away from your seedlings.

4. Don't let your busybody aunt interfere with your "pumpkin obsession," no matter how much she wishes you were interested in boys or clothes or anything other than pumpkins.

5. Find a best friend who can help out in a pinch.

6. Never, ever, ever give up.