In his apple orchard, a farmer meets a little man named Take and follows his advice, which does not turn out well, and the next day meets a little man named Give, whose advice is just as bad.
When money becomes tight in the McNair household, James forms a local gang of kids who steal the things they want from the local stores, while his cousin Greg is working hard for the money to buy things.
Introduces learning young readers to the importance of learning how to make smart choices that will improve their day-to-day lives in their friendships.