Kobie Roberts wants to be able to do things her way, but finds difficulties when her mother goes to the hospital and is replaced by a housekeeper, and her teacher is replaced by a substitute who does everything by the book

" 'Trust me,' Kobie said. Kobie, as the class artist, stands by her right to draw the class mural for the school contest her way. The teacher replaces Kobie with John, the nerdy new kid. Then the class blames Kobie when its mural loses!..."

Just thirteen, best friends Kobie and Gretchen are having too good a summer vacation to worry about Madame Zaza's warning of "dark days ahead." There are boys to watch, lipsticks to try, record albums to hear. And a lifelong friendship to keep them busy. But when school begins, Gretchen starts making big changes. Suddenly she has the right looks, the right clothes, and all the right new friends. While Gretchen moves on, Kobie is stuck with her dream of being an artist and her favorite Top 40 songs to get her through eighth grade. Can Kobie survive the year if it means sharing Gretchen?

Kobie becomes worried about the changes in her life as she starts high school without her best friend

Kobie is finally fifteen. She's starting in a new school with her best friend Gretchen, she's got great clothes, and sh'e sure sh'e on her way to solving life's mysteries—like how to be cool. Then Gretchen starts going steady with a boy! How could she leave Kodie behind again?