Every Thursday after school Thaddeus went to the Neighborhood House to hear Mr. Andrews sing songs and play the guitar. And afterwards, when the other children had gone home, Mr. Andrews would teach him chords and let him practice on his big guitar.

All the other days, Thaddeus went out collecting empty bottles and old newspapers, so he could buy the one thing he wanted more than anything else in the world—a guitar of his own.

Collecting bottles and newspapers was slow, discouraging work. Then, just when Thaddeus thought he'd never be able to earn enough money, his friend Mr. Andrews came up with a new idea—one that was just right for a boy who loved music.

From the dust jacket