Skate doesn't like high school, but it's material for her scrapbooking, a hobby she shares with her Great-Uncle Mort (GUM). GUM shows Skate she can adjust to anything if she keeps an open mind, but then tragedy strikes, and she finds herself taking a journey that puts GUM's teaching to the test.

First title in an original, lively new series from a hugely popular author. My name is Skate Tate. I've just about finished my first day of sixth grade...Actually, my first day has just about finished me. Skate's not sure she likes high school. But at least it's great new material for her scrapbooking: a hobby she shares with her beloved Great-Uncle Mort (GUM). A well-travelled rule-breaker, GUM shows Skate that she can adjust to anything if she keeps an open mind. But then tragedy strikes, and she finds herself taking a journey that puts GUM's teaching to the test...Told with characteristic wisdom and wit by acclaimed author Paula Danziger, United Tates of America is the first in the series about the inimitable Tate family.