Changing Course continues the story of Joan Williams, an exceptionally intelligent teen, surrounded by people who value just about everything above intelligence. Immediately after her graduation from elementary school, the family moves from Chicago's Westside to the Southside so Joan can attend a "good" public high school and meet the "right people." Changing Course takes place from April through August, the end of her junior year and the summer before her senior year. Joan, a shy teenager, who wasn't included in social groups for herself, is changing. During the time of this second novel in the series, Joan learns more about who she is, what she wants, and how to be a part of the social scene without compromising her integrity.