Gid Ralston arrives at Bellwether Creek Elementary's spring fair with ten dollars in his pocket and a plan to buy a solar kit. Then he spots a dazzling mystery-prize machine promising a rare silver rocket. One exciting spin becomes an irresistible "e;almost,"e; and soon Gid is caught between what he wants now and what he might wish for later. With Tess, Bram, and Axo helping him see through the machine's tricks, Gid discovers that winning isn't always about getting the prize. Sometimes the smartest choice is walking away—and putting your money toward something that can become far more exciting than luck: an idea of your own.