[6] This film is based on the McKenna books in the American Girl series written by Mary Casanova.

The film is about the life of McKenna Brooks, as she struggles to balance her time at school and in her career as a gymnast.

Nine-year-old McKenna Brooks competes for Shooting Star gymnastics alongside her best friend Toulane Thomas.

After practice, McKenna learns from her parents that her grades are slipping and Mr. Wu, her teacher, recommends she get a middle school reading tutor.

The next day at school, McKenna struggles during the quiz and ends up cheating off of Sierra's paper, but gets caught by Mr. Wu and is given a zero.

McKenna performs her beam routine and disobeys her coach by doing the back handsprings, but falls and breaks her ankle.

They start to develop a friendship and McKenna encourages Josie to find a way to ride a horse that will accommodate her disability.

Josie admits McKenna inspired her and she found a program that allows kids with disabilities to ride horses.

assigns his class a book report towards the end of the year that involves a presentation the day after the qualifying meet.

At the regional competitive team's qualifying meet, McKenna finds a worn out Toulane in the bathrooms.

In the end, McKenna gives her book report presentation on the importance of balance for professional athletes and how no one can achieve greatness without help from others.

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars was filmed in Riverbend Community School, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.