A blizzard hits Elwood City, and the townspeople lose power, forcing them to stay in the Read household, the only house that has power, but the Reads soon lose their power, too. Each family brings their supplies and food, allowing them to survive together. Meanwhile, Francine has to write a three-page school report on the pioneers, but she is unable to figure out what to write, until she realizes what the townspeople are going through is very similar to the pioneers' struggles. After his roof is damaged by snow, Mr. Ratburn stays at Arthur's house. Arthur is scared that it will be non-stop homework and teaching, only to find out Mr. Ratburn is more fun outside of school than he thought. When Arthur's friends tease him, saying that he has become a "teacher's pet," Mr. Ratburn says he plans on staying at Arthur's friends' homes, too, until his roof gets repaired.