This story is about Stuart Pidgrass, a fourth grader that had developed a very negative view about education and school in general. He hated school! Stuart didn't understand why it had to be so important. Firemen didn't have to read to find out someone's house was on fire! Policemen didn't have to do math just to shoot criminals, and a doctor didn't have to know history to give a flu shot! Reading, Writing, Math, and History, what a waste of time, thought Stuart. He saw no value in sitting in class and completing "wasteful schoolwork." He saw no connection between education and becoming successful. So, why bother? That's what he thought until that dreadful night.