Roma-Kentucky is a small American town where nothing really happens. That is, until October 1993. When the peace of this quiet town is shattered.
Emily Houchens is a thirteen year old 8th grader at Roma Middle School; intelligent, yet withdrawn due to her weight. She also has a crush on Christopher Shelton, one of the popular boys, who fondly refers to her as “Freak”; a habit which her classmates emulate. To escape her unhappy existence she goes for long walks in the woods, where she is free to daydream.