Sylvia Freeman is ready to start fifth grade at Fork Hollow Elementary. Being the new kid will be a challenge, but she's counting on her great-grandmother and best friend, Miz Lula Maye, to help her with any problems. Unfortunately, it turns out that Miz Lula Maye IS the problem. At school, Sylvia realizes it's a little strange to have an old lady for a best friend. Sylvia decides it's best if no one knows about Miz Lula Maye. But fall carnival time is coming and Miz Lula Maye wants to enter the costume contest together. What could be more embarrassing than that?