Identity and family are the primary themes of this novel. High school freshman Mia Thermopolis thinks she is a freak because "she stands 5'9, is flat-chested, gangly, and has tufty hair and large feet." A dedicated vegetarian who likes "Baywatch" and "Xena, the Princess Warrior," Mia strives to improve the lives of animals and protect the environment. She worries about achieving self-actualization and improving herself, especially her tendency to lie.

Mia confides her concerns in a journal that her mother gave her. She initially perceives her greatest dilemmas as passing algebra, tolerating her mother dating her algebra teacher, and gaining a boyfriend.

Other than her algebra woes, she is considered intelligent enough to be assigned to the gifted and talented class which in reality is a study hall. Love, both romantic and platonic, is important to her.

Mia is jolted by the announcement that she is...