Isaiah and Grace Edwards are both delighted with their new family, but trouble soon begins between Isaiah and his older adopted son, John. Isaiah does not understand the boy's interest in books and poetry, and he would much prefer a son with whom he could farm and hunt. That clearly is not the kind of life John enjoys, but Isaiah keeps pushing it.

Mary is thrilled to learn that she has qualified for a state-wide mathematics competition, but the excitement is halted when Charles cannot afford the expenses for the trip. When Mary silently forfeits, the school board recognizes the problem and agrees to finance the whole thing. Caroline accompanies Mary on the trip, while Laura steps in at home to care for Charles and Carrie.