Mournful that Martin seems out of reach forever, Ruthie gets detention, but she and her co-detainees find it fascinating that week, as it's supervised by music teacher Mr. Feinstein, a fine pianist whose job is doomed as budget cuts are making the school phase out its music program. He warms the teens to timeless music and shows how it ties in with history and literature, and his favorite Gershwin music soothes Ruthie's gloom. Feinstein also clues in Eric and Kevin about the root of her detention: a new friendship with a classmate who is homeless but resourceful. Rose wants Simon to pick a song for them, so he makes Ruthie suggest one by her new hero, Gershwin.
—KGF Vissers