Eighth-grader Sam Gabreaux doesn't know what she'd do without her favorite teacher, Mr. Dubois..

He's helped her work on her shyness, even to the point where she can occasionally speak to Bobby, the gorgeous brown-eyed boy she's had a crush on since last year. The only problem is, most of the other kids at Turkey Creek Middle school say Mr. Dubois is gay. Some of them even tease Sam about talking to him. To these she gives the title "Weasels," and she and her best friend Denise embark on a campaign of secret tricks against them. From kick-me hard signs to possible horse tramplings, Sam tries it all. But when more serious rumors surface concerning Mr. Dubois, will Sam find the courage to do something that matters?


Award Winner, Houston Writer's League Conference, 2001