Sixth graders Anika Veerkar, Benicio "Benny" Flores, and Libby Abrams
attend Eastside Middle School, which is facing challenges as a result of
its growing student body. When they learn the school is getting extra
funding this year, they know they have the topic for their next feature
story: Who decides how public schools spend their money? And where does
the money come from? As the kids interview people at school and learn
about their different priorities for the money--an athletic field, a
bigger auditorium, improved science equipment, and more--they realize
the most important question of all: How can they be part of the
decision? Anika, Benny, and Libby are neighborhood friends--and known to
be relentlessly curious. They're always asking questions, and their
interest in sharing the answers has led them to start an online
newsletter. Encouraged by their parents, they venture out into the
community to investigate the most engaging mysteries.