A story set in the beginning of the 1990's of a young girl trying to figure out her place in her family, her new school, and the world. In the 90's middle schools had not developed yet, most places still had junior highs. As a Military brat Mari must move every 3-4 years. She is the middle child of a Puerto Rican family moving from Hawaii to New York. Her new school and age are leading her into adolescence, crushes, conflicts with family and friends, as well as confusion. Feeling out of place and awkward turns out to be a normal emotion for Mari as she embraces weirdness as a quirky character trait.