Nine-year-old Allie Finkle has rules for everything and is even writing her own rule book, but her world is turned upside-down when she learns that her family is moving across town, which will mean a new house, school, best friend, and plenty of new rules.

Meg Cabot's youngest star is headed for the stage. . .at her school. For parent's night. But still, it's a starring role!The fourth grade puts on a play written by Mrs. Hunter! Allie is sure she will walk away with the most coveted role--that of the princess, naturally-but one of her friends gets the part! What Allie doesn't realize is that the part she does get--that of the evil queen--is actually a better (and bigger) role. But Allie isn't content...

While trying to spare Erica's feelings so she could go to Brittany's birthday party, Allie disobeys one of her own rules and lies.