The novel begins with Kyle, the protagonist, receiving an assignment to make a list of goals for the summer that are achievable. Kyle’s list revolves around his baseball stats, learning tricks on his scooter, and getting a raise on his allowance (2). As Kyle writes out his list, Daren shoves Kyle’s elbow off his desk and Kyle adds to his list, “make Daren Hazelton leave me alone” (3). Kyle met Daren when he was five and Daren has bullied Kyle ever since, especially because Kyle is physically smaller than Daren and dislikes any kind of confrontation.

At the end of the school day, Kyle clears out his locker for the year and heads home. He learns that he will be babysitting his little sister BeeBee that night for the first time. His parents don’t want to pay him for babysitting, but Kyle uses that to negotiate for a potential higher allowance. Kyle enjoys babysitting his sister and feeling responsible while his parents are out. After Kyle gains more experience in babysitting, his parents tell BeeBee and Kyle that they won a family vacation for his father winning Salesman of the Year at his parents’ real estate firm.