Mindy moves from the city to her grandmother's farmhouse in a small Midwestern town as she copes with her Grandmother's recent passing. Starting at a new school is challenging, but the real surprise is that it's located in an abandoned hotel. On her first day, Mindy encounters an overly enthusiastic principal/librarian who is a little too gung-ho about Pirate Book Day and befriends a mysterious boy who offers her advice from inside a locker. Mindy sees a chance to make friends during the school's carnival fundraiser when she partners with Charlie, one of the most popular boys in school. While Charlie suggests a cupcake booth, Mindy, eager to fit in, builds epic games to show off her inventive ideas and skills.

However, her games backfire dramatically, causing the other kids to stop talking to her. Where did she go wrong? Will she ever feel like she belonged? Could she ever call this place home? Drawing from grandmother's memory, Mindy works her way back into the carnival. But when the carnival donkeys run loose, the games are overturned, and the crowd starts screaming, Mindy must find a way to save the carnival and keep the school from shutting down—permanently.

Mindy, a spirited 12-year-old, embarks on an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, friendship, and self-discovery. The story is set against the backdrop of a quirky school in an old hotel. Themes of feeling out of place and trying too hard unfold as she partners with Charlie for the school's carnival fundraiser, aiming to impress her classmates with more than just cupcakes. Their budding friendship and Mindy’s trials of STEM-inspired games offer relatable lessons on risk-taking and accountability. Mindy's story delves into deeper issues such as dealing with grief and the loneliness of children from single-parent families, all while maintaining a tone of humor and hope.

Mindy learns valuable lessons about building friendships in her new school and finding her place in the world. From navigating the ups and downs of fitting in, to discovering the power of teamwork, Mindy discovers the true meaning of friendship with her infectious humor, indomitable spirit, and creativity. Mindy will capture your heart and inspire you to embrace your sense of curiosity and imagination.