Sarah Madison Schmidt is a good student, has close friends, and enjoys her adorable five-year-old sister, Cassie. When she and her friend Michael Evans are selected to represent Chase Middle School at a young writer's workshop, she doesn't rush to share the good news with anyone.

Her friends sympathize when Maddy admits that her father will probably not allow her to attend the out-of-town event. What they don't know is that her problems are far more serious than overprotective parents.

Michael has problems of his own. His mother is like a shadow constantly arriving at school to check on one thing or another. Maddy's parents may not allow her to attend the workshop, but at least they don't want to come with her!

Maddy is astounded when the resourcefulness and persistence of her teacher, Mr. Daniels, results in her father's permission to attend the conference. After a family dinner celebrating Maddy's accomplishment, her father pays one of his regular nighttime visits to her bedroom.

Maddy's story is not as uncommon as one might wish it to be. Maddy, a capable student surrounded by well-meaning friends, is struggling with a problem not often reported. A problem that needs to come into the light.