Phoebe in Wonderland

Nine-year-old Phoebe Lichten navigates her vibrant life while grappling with Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Her home is lively, fostering her creativity, yet her behavior often leads to misunderstandings at school.

Phoebe attempts to connect with her classmates but faces challenges due to impulsive behaviors, such as spitting at another student during recess. This incident leaves her feeling further isolated from her peers.

The principal invites Phoebe’s parents to discuss her behavior at school, but they downplay the severity, focusing on their daughter's perceived brilliance. This highlights the growing disconnect between Phoebe's home and school experiences.

In an effort to broaden Phoebe's horizons, her parents take her and her sister Olivia to see a live performance of Swan Lake. The extravagance and beauty of the ballet resonate with Phoebe deeply, inspiring her artistic passions.

Phoebe approaches Miss Dodger, the school's drama teacher, driven by her newfound passion for acting. Despite initial hesitance, Miss Dodger develops an understanding and support for Phoebe's unique needs, especially regarding her compulsions.

With immense determination, Phoebe throws herself into rehearsals for the school’s production of Alice in Wonderland. Her rigorous commitment becomes a coping mechanism, showcasing her fierce dedication despite physical pain from her practices.

As Phoebe immerses herself in the play, she starts to imagine friends, including Alice. Her parents choose to consult a therapist about her behavior, highlighting their struggle to balance her unique needs with conventional parenting methods.

During Halloween and trick-or-treating, Phoebe’s impulsiveness leads her to insult another child, resulting in her removal from the school play. This episode intensifies her feelings of alienation and fuels her desire to restore her self-esteem.

In a bid to uplift Phoebe's spirits after her removal from the production, Hillary partners with Miss Dodger to help her return to the stage. This reinstatement marks a crucial moment in Phoebe's journey toward confidence and acceptance.

Phoebe faces a false accusation about harming the classroom pet, Carlita. This provocation ignites her anger, leading to conflict with classmates and unveiling the struggles she faces between her emotions and social interactions.

Jamie, a classmate who experiences bullying, gains temporary joy landing the role of the Red Queen. However, he is hurt by a homophobic comment, prompting Phoebe to express her support and friendship amidst the challenges they both face.

Peter's hurtful remarks about managing another child create tension at home. This dynamic highlights the complexities of parenting a child like Phoebe and the family’s struggle to connect amidst growing concerns about her mental health.

Driven by her enthusiasm, Phoebe impulsively jumps from a catwalk during a rehearsal, resulting in a broken wrist. This incident forces her to face the consequences of her actions while revealing the fragility of her situation at home and school.

Following the incident with Phoebe, Miss Dodger faces dismissal by the principal, raising questions about her role in supporting students. Consequently, Phoebe steps up, encouraging her classmates to keep rehearsing and cope with their shared grief.

In a powerful moment, Hillary shares her own experiences with Tourette syndrome with Phoebe's classmates. This conversation fosters understanding and transforms the environment, helping Phoebe to educate her peers about her condition.