Amanda's mom has died. At the funeral Amanda is sad but determines to be happy and not make others uncomfortable. Later, at home, she hears her voice reminding her of advice she would always say to Amanda. People visit and try to comfort her but she decides to return to school since her father is not at home and it is lonely there. She tries to be cheerful but is so exhausted, she must take a nap in the teacher's lounge. On her way home her dog almost get hit by a car as he runs to greet her. Finally her friends help her to be real and make a plan. She finds out her dad, a former alcoholic, is drinking again, but they go to support groups at Berean Bible church. Easter comes and they are greeted warmly at the church. The sixth grade puts on another fundraiser, the play Our Town. Amanda has the hilarious part of Mrs. Soames who whispers loudly during the play's wedding scene. Later her principal asks Amanda to get the cast together for his own wedding reception, so the novel ends with a bright, happy wedding scene.