Mable Caldwell's book The Dangers of Chemistry sees Aaron Cripple, an average high school kid with the usual adolescent issues trying to solve the mystery of why kids his age are going missing.
Aaron's best friend is Ezra, and they are both regarded as losers. Still, they find great comfort in each other's company. Aaron has two sisters, Jaelyn and Effie. Jaelyn is a year older, and Effie is a half-sister who is much younger.
He likes Emma... she's gorgeous! The only problem is that she is going out with Teagan, a Jock. Nobody messes with Teagan! When he sees Aaron drooling over Emma, Teagan goes wild and bullies Aaron relentlessly. Not only does Aaron have to put up with bullying at school, but his stepfather Carl also bullies him at home. Life just isn't fair!
Things start to look up, though; Emma and Teagan break up when she takes exception to how Teagan treats Aaron - it seems Emma also likes Aaron! They exchange phone numbers, and Aaron dreams of love... Then... Emma goes missing! It turns out a lot of kids have been going missing!
Aaron sets out to solve the riddle of why this is happening... he wants to find, and save, his newfound love. Danger lurks, though. Who are the VK, and why are they kidnapping kids? Aaron must try to solve this riddle without involving his friends or family because they will be in danger if he does.