An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong

Chrissa and her family relocate from Iowa to Minnesota to be closer to her grandmother, Nana Hanlon, after their grandfather's death. The move forces Chrissa to start at a new school and adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. Her parents hope the change will help her cope with the loss.

At her new school, Chrissa is targeted by Tara, Sonali and Jayden, the Mean Bees. They spread rumors, post online harassment, and isolate her during class and activities. Chrissa senses the hostile environment and struggles to fit in.

Chrissa reaches out to Gwen, who is also being bullied. Gwen initially avoids her, fearing more trouble, but they gradually build trust when Chrissa promises not to reveal Gwen's situation. The two girls eventually become best friends, supporting each other.

In the music room, Gwen confides that her mom has found a job and they will move into an apartment, leaving homelessness behind. The Mean Bees overhear this conversation, increasing tension. This revelation deepens Chrissa's understanding of Gwen's struggles.

Gwen asks Chrissa to cut her bangs for her in the school bathroom. Tara takes the opportunity to offer a worse haircut, mocking Gwen's homelessness. Gwen accuses Chrissa of betraying her by telling Tara; the mood turns bitter.

The trio is taken to the principal's office to tell the truth. Tara lies, claiming Chrissa told her about Gwen's situation, while Jayden also lies about what they saw. Sonali tells the truth, which leads to Tara's three-day suspension and Jayden's and Sonali's one-day suspensions; afterward Sonali apologizes to Gwen and befriends Chrissa and Gwen.

After the incident, bullying intensifies with posters and online rumors spread by Tara and Jayden. Chrissa quits the swim team following a triggering incident involving her older brother Tyler. The school and friends try to support her as she navigates the backlash.

Mrs. Rundell, Chrissa's art teacher, urges her to tell her parents about the bullying. Chrissa shares what she's endured, and her parents respond with love and perspective. They explain that bullies often try to feel powerful by putting others down.

With renewed confidence, Chrissa and her friends celebrate their individuality by wearing homemade painted headbands. They ignore the taunts from Tara and Jayden and choose to express themselves proudly. The trio's confidence becomes a visible sign of their resilience.

Chrissa proposes a project to raise awareness about bullying and vulnerability. She also decides to rejoin the swim team, using both creative activism and sport to reclaim her voice. Her friends support her, strengthening their bond.

As the big relay approaches, Chrissa and Tara put aside their differences to work as a team. Their collaboration helps them win the relay, and they share a hug as a sign of reconciliation.

The 4th-grade class presents their anti-bullying project to the school, highlighting how bullying affects everyone and how friendship can overcome it. The presentation reinforces the lessons Chrissa and her friends have learned. The class celebrates their collective effort.

Amanda, Chrissa's best friend from Iowa, visits for the summer and befriends Sonali and Gwen. The visit expands the circle of support and reinforces the importance of chosen family. Chrissa's life is buoyed by renewed connections and kindness.