The entries in the journals of two sixth grade students reveal much about their personal feelings, family lives, and a growing interest in poetry sparked by their new substitute teacher.
Jamaica copies from a friend during a spelling test because she wants a perfect paper, but her substitute teacher Mrs. Duval helps her understand that she does not have to be perfect to be special.
When the origami pig that Song Lee made for her grandmother is seized by a substitute teacher, the usually well-behaved third-grader breaks a classroom rule to rescue it from the "June box.".
Karen loves her second-grade teacher, but finds out she is getting a substitute teacher. Karen worries that she won't be able to adjust to someone new.
When her substitute teacher realizes she is struggling in math, Judy is sent to a math tutor at the local college and soon is completely into the spirit of college life.