A review by onceuponacarm
Lunch Money by Andrew Clements

4.0

Another wonderful school story by Andrew Clements with similarities to Jacqueline Davis's Lemonade War in that two main characters, a girl and a boy, learn about economics and business while engaging in a little competition and ultimately coming together. In Lunch Money, Greg is a talented kid in many ways, particularly in the art of making money. In fact, most of his life revolves around making money in one way or another. He is a realistic character, displaying characteristics of giftedness and also seeming relatable even to kids who don't share his passion for cash. Greg schemes up several ways to make money at school by selling things to classmates for a mere 25 cents, after realizing how many of his peers usually have a quarter to spend on any given day. After a few encounters with the principal and a heated dispute with the neighbor with whom he is often in competition, Greg constructs an innovative and creative way to make his business ventures about more than cash, discovering valuable truths about what is important. Though a bit idealistic and picture-perfect, as are many of Clements's school stories, it has a feel-good ending that is ultimately satisfying. Highly recommended for kids interested in money, comic books/graphic novels, and school stories, especially those by Clements. Great for 3rd through 6th grade and would also make a good read-aloud.