In Nothing But the Truth by Avi, Philip's parents are misguided because they never really seek out the truth. They believe what Phil tells them--that his teacher, Miss Narwin, is out to get him and has forbidden him from being  singing "The National Anthem." He tells them she will not allow him to be "patriotic."  Phil leaves out the fact that he is purposely being disrespectful to Miss Narwin. He leaves out the fact that he is not following the rule to "stand at respectful silent attention" (Avi 1) during the anthem. Phil's parents, like so many others, feel they don't have any reason to doubt what their son is telling them, so they believe him rather than going to the school to speak with his teacher and attempting to get to the real truth. Phil has left out some very important details, and because of him, a number of unfortunate and damaging events take place.