Lunch Money, penned by Andrew Clements, is a captivating middle-grade novel that offers young readers a deep dive into entrepreneurship. The book's narrative centers around a sixth-grade student named Greg Kenton and his knack for making money. Greg's entrepreneurial spirit is revealed early on, ranging from reselling his toys to mowing lawns. This talent takes a different shape when he recognizes the potential of selling his homemade comic books at school. Through Greg's story, the novel delivers an engaging exploration of money-making and business through a lens relatable to young readers.
The plot thickens when Maura Shaw, Greg's classmate, sets her sights on the comic book business after noticing Greg's success. Maura starts creating her comics, thereby igniting a rivalry that serves as the pulse of the narrative. Their competition comes to a head when the school administration discovers their activities, resulting in a school-wide ban on comic selling. The turn of events compels the rivals to find common ground. Through negotiation and compromise, they managed to have the ban lifted by revamping their comics into an educational mini-magazine.
Lunch Money has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and its relatable characters. Andrew Clements has been lauded for his ability to depict the entrepreneurial journey in a way that young readers can comprehend. Kirkus Reviews lauded the novel in their review of the book, saying it "hit the jackpot."
