Bruno, whose parents are divorced, is an eight-year-old spelling bee whiz, who likes to dress in an unique manner. At his Catholic school he is the favorite target of the schoolyard bullies, and even Mother Superior doesn't like or understand his uniqueness. His mom is all for being different, while his dad sees him as being weak. Bruno's grandmother steps in to try and understand, while at the same time trying to get her son, Bruno's dad, to accept his son, just the way he is.