In the spring of 1973, Melanie Adler desperately wants to be accepted by the Shimmers, the popular kids in her class. But the secret of her mother's PTSD stands in the way. As hard as she tries, Melanie can't act as effortlessly confident and fun as the Shimmers. She's convinced no one knows what it's like to have a parent who's afraid of everything-until Dorit Shoshani moves to town. Clever, independent Dorit understands Melanie's home life thanks to her own family's struggles. The girls become fast friends.

But when the Shimmers finally start to pay attention to Melanie, she's torn between her bond with Dorit and her chance at popularity.