A seventh-grade girl, her slightly fat girl friend, Al, and the assistant superintendent of their apartment building form a mutually needed friendship with the usual—and a few unusual—joys and sorrows.

Twelve-year-old Al, self-styled nonconformist, and her best friend cope with the normal discomforts of early adolescence and with Al's divorced mother's new boyfriend

While Al impatiently awaits letters from her father and his new wife and from a boy named Brian, her best friendship is threatened by the arrival of a house guest.

Her best friend's family helps cushion the blow when Al must sacrifice a summer visit to her father's farm in order to take care of her sick mother in New York City.

"Al(exandra) the Great" and her friend face the ups and downs experienced by every open and sensitive young person trying to cope in New York City.

Officially grown up and ready for her first blind date, Al and her best friend, Thelma, go to great lengths to make themselves beautiful for the big night out with Thelma's cousin Harry and his friend.