Abigail Van Buren Masterson chronicles her seventh grade year by writing to the famous advice columnist of the same name. From the beginning to the end of her school year, Abigail discovers a family she didn't know existed, learns about Multiple Sclerosis first hand, is accepted as the "new kid" but bullied by the school Drama Queen, gets her first boyfriend, and is taught beginner French by an Italian, all while researching Abigail Van Buren for an English assignment.