"Junior high will be a blast," promises Andrea Manetti's best friend. But while exciting things are happening at school-new friends, boys, and a chance to star in the musical-Andrea's home life is falling apart. Her parents are always fighting; her mom's new job means Andrea has to help more with the family. And then there's Andrea's brother. Can Andrea keep her family together-and keep their secrets from getting out? And why does the boy at school who hates her seem to be the only one who understands her?