Rio, the main character, is the dreaded new kid at school. She moved from New York to Southern California and doesn't know all of the rules yet. Her first couple of days don't go off without a hitch, she worries for her social standing. When Kristi, a super popular girl at school, appears to take a sudden interest in Rio, Rio is too ecstatic to be wary.

Rio soon discovers that being Kristi's friend can be a little oppressive. Does Rio have the courage to go off and do her own thing in this new school or will she be pushed around by Kristi forever?

Rio as a character is likable and easy to relate too. She can be a tad impulsive at times, but she is generally a good person. The secondary characters, particularly Kristi, aren't so nice. Rio will meet kind peers at her school as well as some others that she would be much better off staying away from. The author's style of writing will capture and hold the readers' attention throughout the novel. This book is recommended to teen/middle grade readers.