When your Dad's an undertaker,your Mom's in heaven,and your Grandma's got a screw loose...it's good to have a friend who understands you.Even if he is a boy.Thomas J. is Vada's best friend. They live near enough to each other to bike ride over and play, or even just hang out. The two are always together, sharing their afternoons, their adventures in the lake, and all of their secrets. Then something terrible happens to Thomas J. and Vada has to learn to fill her days without her best friend around.