Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Lawn Boy
Book Review: Book Review: Lawn Boy
Summary: 4 Stars
My first real summer job was working at a fudge shop in Northern Michigan. I scooped some ice cream, rolled some waffle cones, earned minimum wage and was thrilled. The unnamed narrator in "Lawn Boy" happens upon a similarly ordinary summer gig: mowing lawns. The whirlwind of events that follow in Gary Paulsen's latest probably make Lawn Boy wish he could be carefree and elbow deep in some butter pecan.
The story begins as our hero inherits a riding lawn mower from his grandmother - pretty unassuming stuff, right? A neighbor inquires about the cost of getting his lawn cut, and that is how it all begins. There is a lot of business to be had. Before he knows it, lawn boy is hiring employees and investing his money with the help of a neighbor/hippy/stockbroker named Arnold. Soon thereafter Prizefighter Joey Pow enters the mix, and things really start to get interesting. Mo' money, mo' problems. When the dust settles, Lawn Boy realizes that his summer job was a valuable experience in more ways than one.
This title wears the "fast, entertaining read" badge proudly. Paulsen keeps the action moving while introducing youngsters to some basic financial principles. Where I'm from (London, circa 1910), this is also called the "spoonful of sugar technique". A quality fiction selection. Readers should enjoy this almost as much as a double waffle cone.
Book Review: Buy for Entertainment, Not Education
Summary: 3 Stars
I was excited to order this book for my 12 year-old son as I attempt to encourage his entrepreneurial skills. I was hopeful that the book would be engaging and educational (In the back of my mind I had "The Goal" -- a novel used by many business schools to teach business concepts). This book started out strong and did introduce a few concepts in a pretty clear manner. However, I felt the ending was lacking. The conclusion was completely unrealistic and, if one of the goals of the book was to teach, the ending may have cost credibility throughout as it really missed the mark. I do give the book credit for being engaging. It is an easy read. However, the book sparked no conversation from my son--I didn't see him running out to start a business. The motivation that I had hoped for didn't come. Buy it for entertainment, not for motivation or education.Book Review: Cool!
Summary: 4 Stars
the end is the best part!!!!!!! 2nd best book I've ever read.#1 is dairy of a whimpy kid series. This book looks boring to us kids if you just read the name of the chapters,but read them and they are funny. The chapters look like the teach you and make you learn but they really have nothing to do with the names. They do really astonishing things with the money he earns. IN OTHER WORDS, READ THIS
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RATE IT GOOD Review: Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Summary: 4 Stars LAWN BOY provides some quick entertainment. It's a very manageable read at less than 90 pages. Readers are treated to quite a few laughs and a little business education.
The main character is a 12-year-old boy. His grandmother gives him a riding lawn mower for his birthday. She says it was his late grandfather's mower. Miracle of all miracles, the thing actually works, and he sets about mowing their pitiful excuse for a yard.
When he finishes the yard, a neighbor wonders if he can get his own lawn mowed. Soon he's mowing for the whole neighborhood. In a few short days, he has over three hundred dollars stuffed in his pockets.
Arnold, a stay-at-home stockbroker, would like his lawn mowed; but he admits to being short on cash. He offers a deal -- mow his lawn and he'll invest the cost of the mowing in the stock market and hopefully increase the investment. Boy, does he!
Before he knows it, he has a growing business and more money than he can even imagine. He has a stock portfolio that would be the envy of any businessperson. And just think, his only dream at the start of the summer was to have enough to afford a new inner tube for his bike tire.
The problem now is how do you break it to your parents that in five short weeks you have tons of money? Will they believe you?
Gary Paulsen has done it yet again. His die-hard fans will like the story, and reluctant readers will find it a quick and satisfying read. It's also a terrific read-aloud that will have them laughing and teach them a little about capitalism in the bargain.
Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
Book Review: Funny and educational, my son loved it!
Summary: 5 Stars
Highly recommended. I enjoyed it and so did my 10 and 13 yr old sons. Some of it may have been over their head but I got the jokes and laughed out loud while I was reading. If only this story was true!