Willie's father tells him there is something special in an old coconut bank brought from the Philippines, but Willie is embarrassed to take it to school for a contest, especially since he knows that one of his classmates will make fun of him.

Almira Astudillo Gilles writes fiction, poetry, plays, and essays for children, young adults, and adults. A native of the Philippines, she came to the United States for graduate study. Willie Wins was Gilles' first book for young readers. She lives in Palatine, Illinois, with her husband and thier children.