When Kit Hathaway makes a mistake, she doesn't fool around.

Upset about losing the lead in the school play and problems with her obnoxious stepfather, Kit impulsively steals a gold bracelet from a fancy department store. And promptly gets caught.

Suddenly her whole life changes. Kit is sure she's blown her chance at a scholarship, and even her relationship with her best friend is strained. Ironically, the only good thing is her sentence: 20 hours of volunteer work at the humane society. Kit feels just like those animals...caged in. But with the help of a special new friend, Kit comes to a startling realization: the key to "her" cage is right in her own hand.