Addison Schmeeter is a newly minted sixth grader who lives with her mother, aka Mommers, in upstate New York. Addie's life has been filled with hardship, but Addie seems to have survived the hard times with a good attitude and a generous heart. Addie and Mommers have just been moved into an old trailer by Mommer's ex-husband, Dwight. Dwight and Mommers have been divorced for some time and share two daughters between them, Brynna and Katie. Addie is Mommers' daughter from a previous marriage. Mommers has mismanaged the money Dwight gave her and their house has been foreclosed on as a result. Brynna and Katie now live with Dwight while Addie lives with Mommers.

Addie's mother is probably bipolar or as Addie says: "Mommers is all or nothing." Some days Mommers remembers to take care of Addie and other days, she only takes care of herself. On those days she barely even do that. Addie is the adult in her home and is in charge of cooking, cleaning, and covering up for Mommers when she makes mistakes. Mommers sees her twelve-year-old daughter as more than capable of taking care of herself, even going so far as to leave her alone for a week at a time.

Addie's ex-stepfather, Dwight, loves Addie dearly and tries his hardest to help Addie despite Mommers' attitude toward him. However, because Addie is not his natural daughter, there is only so much Dwight can do to help Addie. Addie is also helped by her paternal grandfather and her friends, Soula and Elliot, who own the minimart next door. Soula and Elliot watch over Addie when her mother isn't home. Soula, who suffers from breast cancer, saves Addie's life one night when Mommers is gone. She is one of Addie's everyday heroes.

Addie is waiting for a normal life; much like the one she used to have. She knows that Mommers and Dwight will never be together again and shouldn't be, but Addie would love to be part of a family again and to live with her sisters and Dwight. After Soula saves Addie's life, things change dramatically and Addie is finally able to realize her dream of living with Dwight and her sisters forever.