Clarissa Explains It All

After Ferguson shows her training bra during show and tell, Clarissa devises a scheme to launch her younger sister into the sky using helium balloons and a straightjacket in an attempt to escape the situation.

Clarissa tries to bypass her mother's rule against television by hooking up her computer to the cable converter, nearly causing a disaster in the process.

Clarissa becomes enamored with the idea of being a journalist and models herself after Jane Pauley. Her first assignment focuses on her mother's emotional turmoil, which is stirred by the return of an old college friend who has become a successful contemporary dancer.

Clarissa is visited by her overbearing Canadian aunt, Mafalda, known for her suffocating hugs. Determined to get rid of her, Clarissa teams up with Ferguson to try and scare Aunt Mafalda away.

Clarissa uses her sharp reasoning to conclude that her parents are expecting a child, leading her to stage various protests in an attempt to change their minds. However, she later learns that they are actually planning to build an addition to their home rather than start a new family.

Clarissa wants to look her best for the school photo and decides to break free from her usual blue cardigan and knee socks by coming up with a plan to wear the trendiest outfit possible.

Clarissa becomes obsessed with purchasing a 1976 Gremlin she sees advertised, despite being too young to obtain a driver's license.

Clarissa takes action when a bully steals Ferguson's walkman, using her determination and cleverness to confront him. Though she doesn't resort to violence, her confidence and spirit leave a strong impression, leading the bully to change his behavior and develop a crush on her.

Ferguson becomes convinced of his genius after receiving a high score on an IQ test and envisions building an ideal society. His confidence is challenged when he competes against Clarissa on the competitive game show "Brain Drain.

Clarissa organizes a surprise party for her parents' anniversary, but her efforts are complicated by her parents' sudden silence toward each other and a disastrous cake mishap.

Clarissa tries to avoid a school pageant by faking illness after being assigned the role of a column in a Greek-themed performance. Although the event turns out to be enjoyable, her plan backfires and she ends up in trouble.

Clarissa is embarrassed when her father is invited to speak at her school's career day. He makes a clumsy effort to appear trendy, but ultimately gives a heartfelt speech that earns her respect, despite his awkward moment hugging his T-square.

Clarissa seeks to move beyond what she considers childish jobs by applying for a position at the Baxter Beach Carnival. After her parents refuse, she persists but ends up working at a daycare instead.