High school junior Nadine has always felt awkward and out of place, overshadowed by her popular older brother, Darian. Her only source of solace and confidence is her best friend, Krista, with whom she shares everything. Their bond is the one thing that makes Nadine's otherwise turbulent adolescent life bearable – dealing with her well-meaning but mostly absent mother and the painful memories of her father, who died when Nadine was just thirteen. Everything changes one night when an unexpected twist in her personal relationships sends her world into a tailspin.

Feeling more isolated than ever, Nadine finds an unlikely ally in her awkward but thoughtful classmate, Erwin, who harbors a crush on her. She also forms a contentious relationship with her history teacher, Mr. Bruner, who becomes an unwitting mentor and sounding board for her rants and emotional outbursts. As Nadine navigates the minefield of high school politics, first loves, and family upheaval, she must come to terms with her own self-image and the difficult transition into adulthood.