"Tracey Binns has been causing trouble at school for a while. Shes not stupid in fact, she is very bright, but she believes being brainy only makes her life difficult. So she never does homework and is the class clown, but then no one wants to be her friend anyway. Until Isabella arrives at school and decides straight away that Tracey will be her friend. No matter what Tracey does, she can't get rid of Isabella. Soon her worst fears are realised - Isabella is tricking her into doing homework and answering questions in class! Tracey can't get used to having a real friend, and she's suspicious of Isabella, believing she is hiding something. Then the principal announces a big competition that could win the school some new computers, and Isabella is convinced that Tracey will represent the school. She's right - despite Tracey being convinced she's got no hope, she is selected for the Maths section. And discovers she has a startling talent for algebra and mental calculations. When the competition begins, Tracey's team makes it through to the final and she is chosen for the sudden death round. On the final do-or-die question, she answers an algebra question and wins! On Tracey's return to the school, Isabella reveals what she has been hiding all along - that her family is very poor and she has been too ashamed to invite Tracey home. But Tracey has learned how valuable a real friend is, and it's not to be measured in dollars."--Provided by publisher.