Lawn Boy

Paulsen, G. (2007). Lawn boy. New York: Wendy Lamb Books. The narrator is a 12-year-old boy who finds himself wondering how he is going to get money to pay for a new inner tube for his old bike. His parents are broke so he can’t ask them for money and he is only a boy so he definitely doesn’t have any money. Then for his birthday his grandmother gives him his grandfather’s old riding mower. With a little bit of luck and a lot of hard work he finds himself a summer job mowing lawns. He can’t keep up with the work, so with the help of a neighbor, stockbroker Arnold Howell, Lawn Boy begins his own lawn mowing business. Soon he earns a lot of money so Arnold helps him invest. Before he knows it, Lawn Boy becomes rich and even owns a boxer. This novel is categorized as a quick read because it has a straightforward plot that is easy to follow and can be read very quickly. This novel is an excellent way for teachers to teach students about stocks, investments, and savings. If you loved Lawn Boy then make sure to read its follow-up novel Lawn Boy Returns.