At the beginning of this novel, young Greg Kenton believes that greed is good. In his latest project, this natural sixth-grade entrepreneur is creating and selling miniature comic books at school, a high-margin scheme that looks like a surefire winner. Unfortunately, Greg hadn't anticipated two major problems. First, his classmate and full-time nemesis Maura become a mini-comic vendor herself. But even the threat of feminine competition becomes irrelevant when the principal decides to ban the sale of supposedly pernicious literature from his school. This unexpected roadblock causes Greg to rethink his strategies and, more important, his priorities. Sparkling characters; engaging themes.

Clements's (Frindle) offers an uncharacteristically thin novel introducing a boy who excels at athletics and academics-and is a whiz at drawing-but whose "greatest talent had always been money." In preschool Greg did his older brothers' chores for pay; in nursery school he recycled his family's trash and kept the bottle and can deposit refunds; and by third grade he had "set himself a goal. He wanted to be rich." Now a fifth grader, Greg decides that "school would be an excellent place to make his fortune." Yet his business ventures selling candy and gum, novelty toys and homemade comic books land him in hot water with the principal. Though this young tycoon's ambitious aspirations and laughable arrogance are entertaining, the pace of the story slackens considerably at its midpoint, when Greg teams up with Maura, another talented artist and his longstanding rival, to launch a line of mini-comic books. Clements delivers a meaningful message about friendship, perseverance and proper priorities. But although Greg and Maura are likable and spunky, the detailed descriptions of how they create their debut books and petition the School Committee for permission to market them to fellow students grow tedious. Ages 8-12. (July) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Gr 4-6-Sixth-grader Greg Kenton has a knack for finance. He's figured out many lucrative ways to make money since he was very young-by loaning it to his family, mowing yards, doing odd jobs. He notices that there is money to be made at school and decides to go for the gold by selling small comic books that he produces. All goes well until his neighbor and rival, Maura Shaw, tries to horn in on his action by copying the idea and selling her own comic books. A confrontation between the two results in a ban of comic books from the school by the principal. An uneasy partnership forms between Greg and Maura as they develop a comic book to sell together and pursue how to market it legally. Andrew Clements's novel (S & S, 2005) is charming, humorous, and poignant. Character actor John H. Mayer does an outstanding job of bringing the text to life. He uses subtle nuances in his voice to differentiate between the characters and the emotions each experiences. A good choice for the author's fans.-Stephanie Bange, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, Dayton Metro Library, OH Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Budding billionaire Greg Kenton has a knack for making money and a serious rival. When he issues his first Chunky Comic Book at the beginning of sixth grade, his neighbor and classmate Maura Shaw produces an alternative. Their quarrel draws the attention of the principal, who bans comics from the school. But when they notice all the other commercial messages in their school, they take their cause to the local school committee. Without belaboring his point, Clements takes on product placement in schools and the need for wealth. "Most people can only use one bathroom at a time," says Greg's math teacher, Mr. Z. Greg gets the message; middle-grade readers may ignore it in favor of the delightful spectacle of Greg's ultimate economic success, a pleasing result for the effort this up-and-coming young businessman puts into his work. Clements weaves intriguing information about comic book illustration into this entertaining, smoothly written story. Selznick's accompanying black-and-white drawings have the appearance of sketches Greg might have made himself. This hits the jackpot. (Fiction. 9-12)

"This hits the jackpot."

— Kirkus Reviews

"The characters are rich with interesting quirks and motivations...fast-paced and humorous."

— School Library Journal

Clements, who wrote the bestselling children's book FRINDLE, creates terrific young characters who are good students but slightly rebellious. Sixth-grader Greg Canton, who has "heaps of talent," has decided to make his fortune. School seems a land of opportunity to the young entrepreneur. Narrator John H. Mayer ably creates Clements's many characters. From Greg himself to his nemesis and eventual business partner, Maura, to family members, teachers, and principal, Mayer brings to life differing personalities while catching all the humor inherent in this story and maintaining the drama as events unfold. An entertaining and provocative look at children, money, and values, the story concludes with an author interview that listeners will enjoy. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine