Every day in Fawn Creek, Louisiana, is exactly the same — until Orchid Mason arrives. There are twelve kids in the 7th grade in Fawn Creek Middle School. They’ve been together all their lives. And in this small factory town where everyone knows everything about everyone, that’s not necessarily a great thing. There are thirteen desks in the 7th grade classroom. That’s because Renni Dean’s father got a promotion and the family moved to Grand Saintlodge, the nearest big town. Renni’s desk might be empty, but Renni still knows their secrets; is still pulling their strings. When Orchid Mason arrives and slips gracefully into Renni’s chair, the other 7th graders don’t know what to think. Orchid—who was born in New York City but just moved to Fawn Creek from Paris—seems to float.