Because it is offered only to fifth graders, this is Andy's one chance to enter and win the Roger B. Sudermann essay contest. Grand prize: $50 and, most important of all, Andy's name and picture in the newspaper. But unlike other years, when the topic assigned had been really exciting, this year's topic is a bummer. Andy's cousin, and rival, Jack, has no trouble getting started, but Andy doesn't know what he will do.

Then he notices a big brown beetle crawling through the grass. One thing leads to another, and before long, Andy is using Aunt Wanda's saucepans for recipes Aunt Wanda never dreamed. Just when his essay is going well, however, Andy realizes that if he does win the contest, he's in big trouble!