"A. J. and the Ella Mentry School gang learn some unusual self-defense moves from a wacky teacher who thinks he's an action hero"--Provided by publisher.
After budget cuts threaten the art and music programs at Ella Mentry School, as well as some services, groundskeeper Burke finds gold and "gilver" on the playground, causing a modern-day gold rush.
On Career Day at Ella Mentry School, local reporter Mrs. Lilly helps A.J. and his fellow third-graders start a school newspaper, but their efforts have unexpected, and terrible, consequences.
A.J. and his fellow third-graders from Ella Mentry School, including new student Alexia, go on a field trip to the zoo, where they meet a very strange zookeeper.