Set in the 1930s, this memorable tale extols the virtues of friendship and honesty. When an unpopular, brainy girl receives her only Valentine’s Day card from the class clown, she is flattered. Emily’s loneliness makes her easy prey for Virgil’s scheming. He convinces her to submit a petition against geography homework to their stern teacher (played by Margaret Hamilton.) Emily is punished for her foolish deed, but she refuses to snitch on Virgil. The historical setting offers “an interesting contrast in social behavior” with the present, says School Library Journal. Based on “The Scarlet Letter” by Jean Stafford.