FICTION

Cleo Edison Oliver, Playground Millionaire

illus. by Jennifer L. Meyer. 224p. (Cleo Edison Oliver). Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. Jan. 2016. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780545822367; ebk. $6.99. ISBN 9780545822374.
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Gr 3–5—Cleo Edison Oliver has a lot of fantastic ideas, and, thanks to the inspiration of business woman Fortune A. Davies, she is inspired to start her own businesses. From selling items from catalogs to setting up an avocado stand in her own front yard, Cleo has a lot of experience. So, for a class project, she offers up her wildest business yet: Cleo's Quick and Painless Tooth Removal Service! For a cut of the Tooth Fairy money, Cleo has her classmates covered, until an unfortunate barfing incident causes things to go haywire and Cleo learns that running a business isn't as easy as she thought. Cleo is a spunky, energetic, and highly ambitious girl. Always planning a new way to earn money and make her role model proud, Cleo manages to be an inspiration to young entrepreneurs. She and her brothers are adopted and African American, and the supporting cast is diverse as well. The plot is entertaining and relatable, with a happy ending that reminds readers that there are things more important than money.
VERDICT A good purchase for libraries serving elementary-aged readers.

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