The story takes place in a small southern town. Roxie's father has just been transferred there from New York, and while Roxie is not happy about the move, her parents welcome the wholesome atmosphere of the small town, and the friendliness of their new neighbors. Roxie's mother finds new interests by getting involved in the church activities of Mrs. Preger next door, but Roxie is bored and longs for her friends back home. What is worse, her parents suddenly develop strange ideas about her friends she is beginning to make in school, the dates she is allowed to have, and the school she attends. Against her wishes, she is enrolled in the Stafford Hill Academy, a church-associated private school with very strict rules: Movies and rock music are sinful, and girls are not allowed to date.