"Let me take care of our purple martin colony this year," volunteered seventh-grader Eli. But the others in his family were skeptical. At school Eli daydreamed. At home he started projects and did not stick to them.

"You'll have to learn responsibility first," his father told him.

This is the story of one boy's eventful summer, filled with challenges and disappointments.

Contents

• 1. Purple Martin Plans
• 2. Dad's Answer
• 3. Monroe
• 4. A Test for Eli
• 5. Monroe's Confession
• 6. Angry Thoughts
• 7. A Visit With Samuel
• 8. Purple Martins
• 9. Shirking Responsibility
• 10. A Big Mistake
• 11. Eli's Confession
• 12. Mr. Roberts
• 13. Mr. Roberts' Chores
• 14. The Accident
• 15. An Explanation
• 16. Picnic Plans
• 17. A Special Evening
• 18. Deep Trouble
• 19. Making Amends
• 20. Community News
• 21. A Visit With Monroe
• 22. A Long Ride
• 23. At Uncle Aaron's Home
• 24. Aunt Amy's Servant
• 25. Eli Shirks His Duty
• 26. A Better Way
• 27. All Things Work Together