In a semi-autobiographical story of his boyhood, Paulsen tells a story of a fourteen-year-old boy who has been neglected by irresponsible parents. He looks forward to yet another summer of work and worry when a letter arrives from his grandmother. She has a job working for a pair of bachelor brothers on their farm, and invites him to spend the summer with her. This summer is the best of his life--a summer that saves him and gives him a future.