Marcy Lewis is thirteen, fat and unhappy. Her family is a mess, and she hates school, particularly gym because she doesn't like to undress in front of the other girls. Hence, she comes up with a new excuse every day: 'The cat ate my gymsuit.' Marcy is also very bright and is in an accelerated English class famous for causing disruptions until the exotic Ms Finney comes along. Ms Finney is young and attractive and teaches in an unorthodox way, which the bright children respond to. Her approach is frowned upon by the ultra-orthodox headmaster and many of the parents, and she is sacked. Marcy and her friends support their teacher, with the result that they are suspended. During all this Marcy grows considerably and learns to accept herself as she is. Her mother, who has been under the thumb of Marcy's dictatorial father also learns to stand up for herself. The style is not demanding, and while the plot is aimed at teenagers, there is nothing in it to keep younger children from benefiting from the considerable help therein.