As someone who knew very little about business until adulthood, this book helped me understand the basics of business in a straightforward and accessible way. The main character, Chance, is only ten years old, yet thanks to a supportive home environment and a resilient spirit, he is brave enough to start his own business. Doing so is not easy and he does make mistakes, but as he sets goals and sees them through, he is learning skills that will last a lifetime. Please see my full review below.
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Ten-year-old Chance Sterling has his heart set on a brand new, midnight blue bike. However, he needs to come up with the money to pay for it himself. Chance’s dad pays him ten dollars every week for cleaning their pool, but at that rate it will take Chance over five months to reach his goal. Because Chance wants the bike by the time school starts, he has to find a way to make some more money—and fast. He begins to investigate the world of business and, with the help of his supportive family and friends, puts his new knowledge to the test.
Though it is rare for a kid to start a business, Chance’s story proves that it is possible. Accessibly written, newly confident middle grade readers will find Chance’s story both easy to follow and inspirational. Running a business requires math skills, interpersonal skills, and a large amount of grit in order to be successful. Through kid-friendly examples, readers increase their own business acumen by observing Chance’s story.
This book is set in a suburban neighborhood where enough of the homes have pools for Chance’s new business to thrive. His supportive parents, sister, and friends give him the encouragement he needs when challenges arise, and Chance learns and grows from the mistakes he makes. Reflection and repetition keep readers focused and helps solidify the business teachings contained within the story.
Visual aids like charts, ledgers, and illustrations pepper the narrative and anchor the many mathematical references within the book. Critical thinking questions at the end of each chapter encourage deeper reflection about the story, as well. The writing is well suited to a younger middle grade audience, and readers with an interest in business will come away from this book with a stronger understanding of the many complexities inherent to it. The first in a series, this interactive story will encourage readers to develop their own entrepreneurial spirit as they look forward to Chance’s next KidVenture.
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