An overweight and socially awkward teenager named Terri struggles with his daily life in a small town. He lives with his ailing Uncle James, who is mostly bedridden and becomes increasingly dependent on Terri for care. Given his home situation and his unconventional attire—he often wears pajamas to school—Terri becomes an easy target for bullying. His indifferent attitude towards both school and his peers isolates him further. However, his unusual behavior catches the attention of the school’s assistant principal, Mr. Fitzgerald, who decides to mentor him. Mr. Fitzgerald's unconventional methods and quirky personality create an odd but genuine bond between them, leading to weekly meetings aimed at understanding Terri's difficulties.

As their relationship develops, Terri finds himself slowly opening up not only to Mr. Fitzgerald but also to a couple other misfit students, including Chad, a boy with anger issues, and Heather, a girl dealing with her own set of challenges. These interactions provide Terri with new perspectives on friendship and self-worth. He starts to navigate the complicated and often painful landscape of adolescence, realizing the importance of empathy and connection. Through these budding relationships, Terri begins to find his place in the world and gains the courage to confront the emotional and social obstacles that stand in his way.