In spiritually conservative Fayetteville, determined young Annabel sets out to find her missing cat and accidentally discovers a secret world of energy-a world which she is destined to lead.Annabel Parsons didn't ask for this life. She didn't want her cat to go missing, and she certainly didn't want her mother to suddenly leave last year. Up until now, she's tried to lay low and fly under the radar, hoping to survive fourth grade without messing up or looking foolish. But when her dad and teenaged brother Kyle (along with his wisecracking friend Nate) won't help her find Mr. Whiskers, Annabel realizes it's all up to her to save her poor kitty. She forces herself to step outside of what's comfortable, and soon finds herself entangled with Bernie, the kooky neighborhood cat lady.At first, Annabel is grateful for Bernie's help, but as they spend more time together, Annabel realizes she's getting in deeper than she bargained for. As Bernie reveals age-old secrets of the Universe that thrill but also frustrate the impatient Annabel, it becomes clear that Annabel is expected to take on a lot more responsibility than just finding Mr. Whiskers.Then, when Annabel's newfound powers reveal a disturbing secret about her Aunt Michelle's new boyfriend, Annabel finds her voice, and that's when things really get sticky.