Precious Jones (Gabourey Sidibe) is a 16 year old African-American girl growing up in Harlem. She lives with her mother Mary Jones (Mo'Nique) in a world filled with poverty and ignorance. As if things aren't bad enough, Precious is pregnant and is expelled from school because of this. What appears to be her downfall, is the beginning of her journey. When she attends an alternative school, she discovers that there is more to life than the sadness and pain she's experienced in her young life. She meets Ms. Rain (Paula Patton) and other students at the school that allow her to believe that there are opportunities...even for her. While at the school she comes to know love and through love she discovers hope. She realizes that its not going to be easy, but she's willing to fight for the things that she wants.