Emily is raised by her father who encourages her to always follow her heart and dreams. When Emily's father passes away she must move in with her Aunt Laura and Cousin Jimmy at New Moon.

Emily moves to New Moon and Aunt Elizabeth forbids her to read or write fiction. Pandora, Emily's cat, is left on the side of the road by Aunt Elizabeth.

Emily must attend school. After a dreadful first day of being teased by the other students and meeting the mean teacher Miss Brownell, she meets Ilse Burnley and they become friends.

Miss Brownell continues persecution of select students. Emily has visions involving the mysterious Disappointed House. Perry Miller and Teddy Kent contend for Emily's attention.

Emily and Ilse are curious about Lofty John and go searching on his property to find out more. After catching Emily he forces her to eat a 'poison' apple. Despite trying her best to be brave she prays to her father in heaven.

While searching through the attic Emily comes across her mother's doll and Aunt Laura restores it for her. Aunt Laura meets Ian Bowles and falls in love with him until she finds out the truth which sends her back home in tears.