Mike Martin spent his twelfth summer dodging two neighborhood boys and their invitations to join night time adventures. Since his summer has been nothing but a lonely bummer, he looks forward to the start of the school year. The sixth grade classroom at St. Francis School reunites Mike and his best friend Greg, who spent his summer on the west coast with grandparents. In religion class, Mike and Greg prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. After class they get to know a local shop keeper a little better. Mr. Moore introduces the boys to his favorite spiritual friend, St. Francis of Assisi, when they shop for a birthday gift. Events of the first week of school quickly show Mike that Confirmations gifts will be very helpful as he tries to deal with complicated situations. He knows he must find the truth about the stories he heard, secretly disbelieved, and yet protected all summer. Mike also applies the philosophy of St. Francis to his own life when he stumbles on the truth he dreaded to admit. Mike must answer questions from the local police, the Chief himself, from his parents, and from Greg. The first week of school is busy but exciting because Mike and Greg take on new responsibilities. An after school job, a classroom presentation, and a surprise celebration demand their focus. Underlying the activities, however, is the ever present issue in Mikes mind of what he can say and what he shouldnt say. Friday brings painful revelations, and by Sunday life in the neighborhood has changed dramatically. Greg and Mike must agree on an answer to the question, Can we do the Christian thing here?
