AllMovie

Her childhood forever lost to a mother (Anne Heche in an Emmy-nominated performance) whose irresponsible, drug-fueled escapades forced her and her siblings to fend for themselves, 17-year-old Gracie Thompson (Kristen Bell) vows to pick up the pieces and give her brothers and sisters the mother they've never had in this touching tale of family love and devotion that was inspired by a true story. Determined to finish her education, get a well-paying job, and offer her family the stability that they've never known, Gracie wages a tireless uphill battle to reclaim her family and give them hope for a better future.