Seventh-grader Sharkita "Kita" embarks on a tumultuous journey to keep her family together while handling the consequences of her mother's alcoholism.

Tourmaline Harris and Virginia Campbell, two teenagers from opposite sides of the track, join forces to overthrow the people in their southern Virginia town who exploit them.

"Franny never lets anyone know how often she thinks of the charismatic, troubled mom who left her years ago, any more than she talks about the unaccountable things Mom did while she was still in the picture. Life with Nana is safe and secure, and Franny's innovative art projects fill any lonesome times. But when Nana has an accident and Franny's estranged uncle returns home to help out for a while, some long-guarded family secrets come to light. Franny...