JoJo hopes for the best when she and her mother move to a new town after her father's death. But girls she wants to befriend treat her with unkindness at the new school. Loneliness and dirty tricks drag her into a pool of grief and depression.

Each chapter begins with a saying of JoJo's dad. These and her willingness to confide in and ask advice of others worthy of respect provide stepping stones through a worsening situation.

Ultimately, JoJo's decision to live her Christian faith enables her to call on God during a scary encounter.

Violet Barkley thinks any student can walk in on a bad idea in motion. It's best for families to talk through issues ahead of time. And faith in Jesus makes all the difference.