The story in one page
Mark Tidd and his friends Binney, Plunk, and Tallow observe that the Wicksville Trumpet has ceased to be a functioning newspaper. Rather than letting it die, Mark organizes his friends to purchase the plant and revive the publication. They leverage local rivalries and gossiping factions to drum up interest, eventually turning a stagnant town organ into a profitable enterprise with fifteen hundred subscribers. As vacation ends, Mark manages to sell the operation for two thousand dollars to the very business men who previously squabbled over its pages. He even secures a future role for the former editor before closing the account.
Who's who
- Mark Tidd
The heavy, stuttering mastermind who runs the newspaper project.
- Binney Jenks
The narrator who helps Mark run the day-to-day operations.
- Spragg
A newspaper man who eventually secures a job as editor.
- Uncle Ike
A bus driver who uses the public rumpus to mock rivals.
What it's really about
- Business Acumen
- Boys outperform adults in local market operations.
- Town Gossip
- Newspapers thrive on petty, public disputes.
Why it's memorable
- Mark needing a turntable to pivot his heavy frame like a locomotive.
- The boys selling out of newspapers before noon on the first day.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
Mark sells the successful newspaper for two thousand dollars, divides the profit fairly, and prepares to return to school. He leaves the new owners with a staff and a functioning, profitable asset.
For your book club
- Why the business men of Wicksville trusted children with their media.
- How rivalry keeps a small-town news cycle moving.