Raymie Nightingale

Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything absolutely everything depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition then her father - who has run away with a dental hygienist - will see Raymies picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton but she has to compete with the wispy frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante with her show-business background and the fiery stubborn Beverly Tapinski whos determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches loneliness loss and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship - and challenge them to come to each others rescue in unexpected ways.