Owen Foote, Money Man - Hardcover

Stephanie Greene has written more than fifteen books for children from Early Readers to chapter books to middle grade novels, and all of them came from spying, eavesdropping, and keeping a sense of humor while letting her mind go wild. She and the children she talks to at schools always seem to have many notes to compare. The middle of five children, Stephanie grew up on three wonderful acres on a river in Connecticut. She spent much of her childhood swimming in the summer, skating and sledding in the winter, riding bikes, climbing trees, and reading. She never particularly wanted to be a writer when she was young, but boy, is she enjoying it now. Stephanie’s a graduate of the Vermont College MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults program, as well as RA of SCBWI in North and South Carolina. Stephanie lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Grade 2-4-Owen Foote is now eight years old and in dire need of funds. Since he received the catalog "Junk You Never Knew About," he realizes that he can not live without the plastic vomit, dog poop, and other assorted wonders advertised therein. When his guided tour of the wonder of toilets fails to impress his older sister and her friend (and nets only a quarter), the boy knows that he needs to change his moneymaking strategy. Mrs. Foote is no help, since she expects her son to work for his allowance. What's a third grader to do? Owen and his friend Joseph attempt to make a kid's fishing video and start a dog-walking business, both with hilarious results. Only when Owen volunteers to help his neighbor build a fish pond, though, does monetary reward unexpectedly come his way. Kid-friendly humor, good characterization, and a believable and fast-moving plot distinguish this book. The value of hard work, pride in a job well done, and a respect for money are seamlessly woven into the story and reinforced by caring adults. Irrepressible Owen grows up a little, and readers will laugh along the way. Although fans of the previous books will welcome Owen back, this one can be enjoyed on its own. Full-page black-and-white illustrations add to the fun. Libraries needing well-written, accessible beginning chapter books will profit from this selection.
Jennifer Ralston, Harford County Public Library, Belcamp, MD
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