During a fast-paced roller hockey game in which an awkward boy is humiliated by the other players, Wishbone imagines himself as Quasimodo, the hunchbacked bellringer of Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral, who defeats his enemies and saves the life of a beautiful gypsy.

When Joe gets a chance to prove himself as coach and discovers that it is not as easy as it seems, Wishbone is reminded of the tale in which a poor boy trades places with the crown prince of England, each one believing that the other has the easier life.

When he accompanies Joe and his friends to look for treasure in the condemmed Trumbull barn, Wishbone imagines himself as young Jim Hawkins who acquires a treasure map and soon finds himself involved with dangerous pirates.

When Joe and David decide to use a computer to publish a sports newsletter that will outshine the one that the school produces, Wishbone is reminded of Mark Twain's story and imagines himself as Hank Morgan, a nineteenth-century American who travels back in time to King Arthur's court.

When David enlists Joe's aid in babysitting, Wishbone escapes from his noisy home and imagines himself as Charles Darnay, a young Frenchman who, despite great danger, returns to France during the Revolution to help a friend.