Chapter 1: The Worst Day of My Life
This chapter introduces us to the protagonist, 12-year-old Alison "Al" Ashley, who is starting year 7 at a new school. Feeling anxious and out of place, she makes a series of unfortunate blunders, including accidentally wearing a shirt with a hole in it, losing her lunch money, and missing the school bus. She's also humiliated when a boy she likes makes a rude comment about her. Al ends the day feeling incredibly miserable.
Chapter 2: I Just Want to Disappear
Al continues to struggle at school, finding herself ostracized by the "cool" girls and unable to connect with other students. She also experiences the painful isolation of being a new kid in town. Feeling increasingly lost and frustrated, Al longs to disappear.
Chapter 3: The Worst Day of My Life (Again)
Al's struggles continue. She finds herself accidentally wearing her pajamas to school, becoming the target of relentless teasing. Her attempts to fit in are met with rejection and she feels increasingly alienated.
Chapter 4: My Dad is an Idiot
Al's parents are separated, and she lives with her father and his new partner. She feels resentful towards her father for not being "normal" and for being constantly preoccupied with work. Al's frustration and anger manifest in a series of small rebellious acts.
Chapter 5: The Day Everything Changed
A new girl, Samantha, arrives at school and becomes friends with Al. Their connection provides Al with a much-needed sense of belonging. Samantha's perspective helps Al realize that she is not alone in her struggles and that she has something to offer.
Chapter 6: Secrets and Lies
Samantha introduces Al to a group of friends who are planning a birthday party for another girl. Al is excited to be included, but also anxious about fitting in. She reveals a secret about her past that she has been keeping from her father, adding to her feelings of isolation.
Chapter 7: The Party
Al attends the birthday party, but feels overwhelmed by the other girls' social skills and confidence. She experiences another embarrassing moment, leading her to run away and hide. She is comforted by Samantha, who helps her understand that she is not defined by her mistakes.
Chapter 8: The Real Alison Ashley
Al confronts her father about her secret and starts to rebuild their relationship. She realizes that she needs to embrace who she is, flaws and all, and stop trying to be someone she is not.
Chapter 9: The Last Day
Al's last day of school is filled with bittersweet emotions. She has grown and learned a lot throughout the year and is ready to face the challenges of the future. She leaves school with a newfound sense of confidence and self-acceptance, having finally found her place.
Epilogue
The epilogue reveals that Al has remained close friends with Samantha and is now attending a new school with her. She has learned to embrace her individuality and is no longer afraid to be herself. She is no longer "Hating Alison Ashley" but rather, learning to love her.