Here's why:
* Percy's age: Percy is twelve years old at the start of the book. We know Sally had him when she was quite young, possibly in her late teens or early twenties.
* Gabe's age: Gabe Ugliano, Sally's stepfather, is described as being "fortyish" and "out of shape." This suggests that Sally herself isn't significantly older than him.
* Her appearance: Sally is described as having "long, straight brown hair, tied back with a blue ribbon" and being "pretty." This description aligns with the age range mentioned above.
While we don't know her exact age, it's safe to assume that Sally is a relatively young mother in her late thirties or early forties.