This is a story about Lula Kuchler. Lula is 15. She is German and was born in the United States on June 10th, 2002. She is in grade 10 and goes to Silverleaf Secondary School - but, she is reclusive. She has been to many other schools in her life because she always gets bullied. However, she is a bright young girl. She gets great marks on all assignments. Yet, she is depressed, in her mind Lula believes that no one acknowledges her; she will never have a friend. But patience can change things, a patient person will receive great rewards.

Rains just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after girl scouts she trip and falls ,severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery,embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake , boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. Raina's story takes us from middle school to high school, where she discovers her artistic voice,finds out what true friendship really means, and where she can finally. . . smile.