Before school starts, Bennie Esposito comes to town. Bennie is the son of the owner of a carnival. Many people in town look down on Bennie because of his father's profession. Bennie tries to befriend Andrew, but when Bennie shows interest in AnnaLise, the girl Andrew likes, Andrew begins to dislike Bennie. This event foreshadows a dislike and rivalry that Andrew must come to terms with as he matures into adulthood.