It's Christmas, 1955 in Daytona Beach, FL, and middle child Maryellen longs to stand out amidst the hustle and bustle of her big family. When Benji, a family friend afflicted with polio comes to stay with them, Maryellen is intent on making the holiday special. After her plans for a big celebration fall through, she discovers the best gifts are often simple, meaningful gestures of friendship.

Set in 1976 San Francisco, Ivy Ling second generation Chinese-American struggles to find balance between her two cultural identities. Though her parents value family and Chinese traditions, Ivy wishes to be like her all-American best friend, Julie Albright. When Ivy's important gymnastics meet and her family's Chinese New Year's dinner land on the same night, she has to decide between the two.