Beetles, Lightly Toasted

Beetles, Lightly Toasted by Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780689313554.

Because it is offered only to fifth graders, this is Andys one chance to enter and win the Roger B. Sudermann essay contest. Grand prize: $50 and, most important of all, Andys name and picture in the newspaper. But unlike other years, when the topic assigned had been really exciting, this years topic is a bummer. Andys cousin, and rival, Jack, has no trouble getting started, but Andy doesnt 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 Wandas saucepans for recipes Aunt Wanda never dreamed. Just when his essay is going well, however, Andy realizes that if he does win the contest, hes in big trouble!