In 1970, eleven-year-old Margaret Simon faces the emotional turmoil of relocating from the bustling streets of New York City to a quieter suburb in New Jersey after her father, Herb, receives a promotion. Leaving behind her friends and her beloved grandmother, Sylvia Simon, leaves Margaret feeling anxious and disconnected. In her quest for understanding and comfort, she begins a heartfelt dialogue with God about her worries and aspirations.
Upon settling in her new home, Margaret quickly bonds with her neighbor and future classmate, Nancy Wheeler](/actor/elle-graham), who introduces her to a tight-knit group of friends, including Gretchen Potter and Janie Loomis. As they navigate the complex world of adolescence, Margaret’s teacher, Mr. Benedict, assigns the class a year-long research project that compels Margaret to confront her unique religious identity. With one parent rooted in Christianity and the other in Judaism, she struggles to find where she fits in the fabric of her family's beliefs.
As her curiosity deepens, Margaret inquires about her maternal grandparents, whose absence turns out to be a point of contention for her mother, Barbara Simon. The estrangement stems from a lifetime of differences that culminated in their disownment of Barbara upon her marriage to a Jewish man. Despite the family tension, Sylvia readily takes Margaret to temple, trying to bridge the gap between generations.
Margaret’s experiences with her friends lead her to embrace the significant markers of puberty, such as her first kiss during a birthday party game of spin the bottle and the anticipation of receiving her first period. Yet, the pressure mounts as she waits impatiently while her friends, including Gretchen and Nancy, begin to experience these milestones first.
In a pivotal moment, Margaret learns about honesty and the consequences of deceit when she discovers that Nancy wasn’t truthful about her own period. Meanwhile, she grapples with her feelings towards classmate Laura Danker, who faces isolation for her height and development. An encounter in the library prompts Margaret to reflect on her own choices and the nature of true friendship.
The tension escalates when Margaret plans to visit Sylvia during spring break but is interrupted by a surprise visit from her maternal grandparents. The evening leads to a heated discussion about religion and choice, culminating in Margaret’s outburst declaring her indifference to faith and God.
As she submits her research paper to Mr. Benedict, filled with her disillusionments, Margaret begins to mend relationships with her family and recognizes the support that surrounds her. By the school year's end, she not only extends a hand towards Laura but also gains gratitude from Mr. Benedict for guiding her through this tumultuous cycle of growth.
With summer camp on the horizon, Margaret shares a moment with Moose, a neighborhood boy she has developed a crush on, symbolizing a hopeful new beginning. Upon returning home, she joyously discovers she has finally gotten her first period and resumes her conversations with God, embracing the journey ahead with newfound confidence.
