When Charley Cornett begins school in the Appalachian Mountains, his brothers and sisters explain to him that the highest honor at school is being chosen to "carry the flag" - the award each day for the child who is most helpful. But no one expected Charley to ever win for he was hardly the helpful type. But he does get to carry the flag and what he learns on that special day adds a great deal to the very full life of a boy who will delight all young readers.