Tara*Starr moves to Ohio and leaves Elizabeth to start 7th grade on her own. Tara*Starr feels that her charents (parents who still act like children) are acting much more responsible than they ever have, and are now talking about having a baby. While Elizabeth's family is breaking apart. Her father has a drinking problem, and spends money that he doesn't have, which is causing the family to go into debt. He eventually leaves Elizabeth (and her mom and younger sister Emma), and decides to get a separation. The strange thing is, is that Elizabeth is glad that he's left.
This is an excellent book that follows the lives of two girls as they go through new friends, boyfriends, and family problems. But everything always works out for the best.