Brian Higman dreads revealing that he hasn't finished his 'sloppy copy' of his writing assignment (his teacher's name for a rough draft). His teacher isn't known for her sympathy, and he's already received one zero for not doing his work. When the time comes, he tries to distract her by telling a story about why he couldn't do it. As he tells it, he draws her and the class into the tale of his quest to buy a used guitar before the neighborhood-famous Harry Harrington buys it first. The longer he distracts his teacher with the story, the more hope he has that he'll get away without failing. Brian's story within a story is entertaining, and the resolution of the tale is satisfying. The book includes Brian's tips on how to write well.
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