Sam, Leo, Joe, Sera, and Robby test courage and pride on the towering rope climb, in recess scuffles, and within GT math class, where childish fights, Arnold’s confrontations, Pablo’s surprising strength, and Leo’s petty classroom authority show how ego, bravado, and loyalty collide in their fifth-grade world.

A mixed “advanced” class pairs math nerds with infamous troublemakers like Chema and Orlando, creating a social and athletic powerhouse that dominates UIL math events under Mr. Cavazos, while moments with Laser Tag guns, pungent Ben-Gay, and Leo’s manipulative charm highlight status, envy, and shifting alliances.

The boys form rival teams to build Alamo dioramas, blending play, teasing, and small acts of revenge, while Robby’s fear of Ms. Casarez, a fake sick day, and a meatless burger mishap mirror Sam’s group losing the project vote amid suspicions of parental help and lingering resentment.

Sera and Robby transfer from private school to Marcell, nervously facing the feared Ms. Casarez while meeting Sam, Leo, Joe, and the others on the playground, where early bonds, jokes, and a humiliating swing-set accident reveal the group’s rough humor, class dynamics, and emerging friendships.

Sam’s fascination with breakdancing from watching his sister’s skilled moves to entering a school breakdance contest, where his simple worm routine surprisingly wins over flashier classmates, while flash-forwards and side scenes underline humor, embarrassment, and how style, status, and “gauche” moments shape his growing self-image.

Sam’s first day of kindergarten, where a classroom mix-up exposes him to language barriers, unfairness, and early glimpses of privilege, friendship, and socioeconomics, setting the tone for his childhood journey navigating school and identity. Sam meets Leo.

Sam’s anxiety and embarrassment in P.E., from teasing over his socks and failed layups to a painful playground scuffle, then shifts to flag football chaos, deepening bonds with Joe, rivalry with Leo, and a UIL contest that highlights Sam’s literacy and foreshadows his future academic path.