Ashamed of his wimpy younger cousin, eight-year-old Jimmy is determined to keep him out of his special club for rough, tough, and terrible boys, until an accident involving Jimmy's father demonstrates for him the true meaning of courage.
Upon learning that their riding instructor is in serious financial trouble, three friends drum up new business for him and arrange a riding demonstration starring themselves.
Seventh grader Alice decides that the only way to stave off personal and social disasters is to be part of the crowd, especially the "in" crowd, no matter how boring and, potentially, difficult.