First published 1988
Charley Cornett starts school in the Appalachian Mountains where every student knows about the special daily honor. Each day, one child gets chosen to carry the flag and lead the line to the school bus. Teachers pick the most helpful student for this prize. But Charley doesn't fit that description at all. His curiosity drives him to investigate everything around him. He climbs tree branches to examine how apples grow. He covers the water tap with his palm to test if he can block the flow. His exploring nature makes him seem like an unlikely candidate for the helpful student award. Nobody at home or school expects Charley to earn this recognition. Then comes an unusual day filled with rocks, snakes, and books. Something happens that transforms how everyone sees Charley. His family sits amazed when they hear the news. His classmates and teachers discover a side of him they never knew existed. This surprising turn reveals that helpfulness can take many different forms.
Genres: fiction, family-life, 20th-century
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Appalachian Mountains
Period: 20th Century
96 pages · Paperback · Yearling