Deidre-Ann is an eleventh grade student who seems to have everything going for her. She is brilliant, attractive and involved in school life and extra-curricular activities, especially cheerleading. The students consider her to be the 'salt' of the team. They applaud her expertise and crave her company but alas', the salt of the earth loses her savour when her innocence and dignity are snatched from her on the night of the school barbecue. Her life spirals out of control as she becomes mentally ill and runs away from home. Thanks to the resilience and vigilance of her uncle Nathan, and with help from Slinky, Miss Nellie and her relatives, she seeks to regain her confidence and place in the world.