Jerry's Charge Account

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27211

Title

Jerry's Charge Account

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In Washington, D.C., impulsive boy Jerry Martin secretly uses a charge account at a local grocery store to buy candy, risking his father's disapproval. When a misunderstanding involving a neighbor's house and a broken record threatens to expose him, Jerry faces a crisis of conscience. Ultimately, he learns valuable lessons about honesty, responsibility, and the true value of hard work.

Summary up to 500 words

In Hazel Hutchins Wilson's *Jerry's Charge Account*, young Jerry Martin finds himself entangled in a web of deceit after opening a secret charge account at Mr. Bartlett's grocery store. Driven by a desire to prove that credit is convenient and fun, Jerry uses his mother's ten-dollar bill to purchase treats, keeping the debt hidden from his father, who strictly prefers cash transactions. The situation escalates when Jerry needs change from the neighbor, the Bullfinches, but finds them absent. Unable to break into their house, he waits outside, eventually hearing music that turns out to be played by his little brother, Andy, who had sneaked in earlier. When the Bullfinches return, they accuse Jerry of breaking in and damaging a record, leading to a tense confrontation. Terrified of his father's anger and the loss of his family's trust, Jerry decides to run away to Florida. However, during a walk through the city, visiting the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, he reflects on the integrity of historical figures like Lincoln and Washington. This contemplation shifts his perspective; he realizes that running away is not the answer and that he must face the consequences of his actions. Jerry returns home to find his family worried and relieved to see him. His father confronts him, explaining that contracting a debt in his name without permission was wrong. While the father is stern, he ultimately forgives Jerry, noting extenuating circumstances. As punishment, Jerry is banned from baseball for the season, a significant loss for the young athlete. The story concludes with the family sharing a box of candy Jerry had intended to keep, reinforcing the theme that honesty and family unity are more important than material gains or secret pleasures.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg27211.epub

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2026-07-06 07:31 UTC

Categories

• Fiction
• Family Life