Eleven-year-old Busi dreads going to her school in Zimbabwe. Her classmates single her out because she was once the so-called teacher's pet, and the school bully, Doreen, continues to harass her.

Together with Thabisa, the new girl in school, Busi proposes a Cinderella play as a way to raise funds for a class trip and is ecstatic when she lands the lead role. But Doreen is cast as the wicked stepmother—a role that would allow her to put Busi down.

In an attempt to win her classmates over, Busi offers her precious music box, a gift from a friend who moved away, for use in the play. Doreen accuses Busi of showing off. When Doreen threatens to ruin the play, Busi is determined to stand up to her.