Set in the 1970s, the book centers on Charmaine "Maine" Upshaw who is about to graduate from junior high, after achieving valedictorian status. However, she is not able to read her grad speech to her class because of a power outage. Summer break, also, turns into a disappointment when all her friends go away to camp adventures and vacations, she is stuck in her Pennsylvania small town babysitting and taking her cousin, seven-year-old, Tracy John to advanced level swim class. Maine can't swim, and, Maine, as the smart girl, who is used to learning everything easily - this bothers her. One day, she decided to teach herself, nearly drowning in the process. Other mishaps occur culminating with her having to commandeer a bus. Through it all, Maine keeps her striving and evolving as she learns contrary to what she thought after junior high - she has a lot to learn.