The movie follows Trevor, a third grade student who is inspired by his social studies teacher to think of an idea to change the world. Trevor comes up with the idea of a "network of favors," where people help others with small acts of kindness and pay it forward. Over time, the small acts of kindness ripple out widely. The movie shows how Trevor's idea spreads and positively impacts many lives, including helping his unemployed mother's alcoholic friend get back on his feet. However, Trevor's teacher later struggles with intimacy issues when he begins a relationship with Trevor's mother. In the end, Trevor is tragically killed when trying to help a bullied boy, but his idea lives on in inspiring others to help their community