Jessi Ramsey is at her regular ballet lessons in Stamford, when Madame Noelle announces that The Stamford Ballet School will be giving a free six week dance call to some of Stamford's less privileged children. Jessi voluteers to help out, and is surprised when only one other girl in her class volunteers, Mary Bramstedt. Because Jessi is the youngest person in her ballet class, along with being the only black member, sometimes she feels left out, and sees this as an opportunity to get to know some of her classmates. However, she immediately begins to sense something off about Mary, and Mary's obsession with dieting.
Jessi is a little nervous when she's chosen to participate in the synchronized swimming event for the Stoneybrook Middle School Sports Festival. Although she's a great ballet dancer, performing ballet in water isn't easy. But when competition time comes, Jessi proves that practice makes perfect.
When Jessi volunteers to help supervise the Kids Can Do Anything Club, she meets nine-year-old Danielle. Danielle has a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor. But Danielle is no ordinary little girl. She has cancer. Jessi never met anyone like Danielle before. Even though she is very sick, Danielle is courageous and hopeful. She even has two wishes. The first is to go to Disney World. The second is to graduate from elementary school. Jessi knows she has to be strong for Danielle, and so she makes a very special wish of her own.
When Jessi's mom goes back to work, Aunt Cecilia moves in with the Ramseys to help out. Jessi is mortified that she has a baby-sitter and can't stand her aunt's bossy ways.
