"Kip" Russell narrates the story, which allows the reader to see into the thoughts and feelings of this youthful hero-to-be. When the story opens, Kip is frustrated. The pastoral setting that provides Kip's father with such a quiet retreat from the "rat race" of his academic job has severely impeded Kip's intellectual growth. The small-town school system is not sufficiently challenging for Kip's considerable scientific talent, and he is bullied by others who aren't educated enough to understand his abilities. To live up to his potential, he must find a way to afford a prestigious university that offers rigorous courses in science and math. If he can't use his own wits and means to gain entry, he seems destined to attend a lesser state college that doesn't train scientists.

Kip is diligent, however. He applies himself to winning the detergent contest, which sets a...