Maya Van Wagenen, a shy middle school girl who feels invisible and unpopular, decides to try an unusual experiment. She follows a 1950s guide to popularity called Betty Cornell’s Teen-Age Popularity Guide for an entire school year.
She applies outdated advice about fashion, behavior, and manners in an attempt to become more popular. At first, the experience makes her feel uncomfortable and even more self-conscious, but it gradually pushes her out of her comfort zone.
As she continues the experiment, Maya becomes more confident, learns to interact with others, and forms new friendships.