Her name was Amanda Jane Keeling, but from the time she was two, everyone called her Rebel. Rebel's first word was "No!" And it was downhill from there. As a toddler she resisted strained spinach and potty training. At five she refused to go to kindergarten. Now, at fourteen, she has toned down her rebellious streak somewhat, but whenever faced with a challenge, she still feels the need to confront it head on, despite the opinions or advice of others. When Rebel and her friend Moses -- the only boy she's ever met who can match her in both wit and height -- witness some strange goings-on, instead of going straight to the police, they decide to investigate the matters themselves. A bizarre robbery, an open door in the middle of the night, muddy footprints - all these clues lead Rebel and Moses to more questions than answers. But still they won't go for help. Little do they know the danger that waits them. When her grandmother decides to ditch assisted living and start a boardinghouse, fourteen-year-old Amanda Jane Keeling, aka Rebel, signs on for the work crew, where she just happens to meet a teenaged boy taller than she is, and embroils them both in a mystery.