The Brainstormerz: Money Talks

Gr 3-6–Electric, a vegetarian nine-year-old, lives with his family on top of The Lazy Bacon, his family’s bookstore. Feeling guilty about asking his parents for the latest phone while bookstore sales are down, he and his best friends devise ways to save money for his 10th birthday. Amidst several failed ventures, from accidentally lacing the baked goods at their bake sale with Grandma’s laxatives to losing all the dog walking money to pay for the hot dog stand the dogs cleaned out, Electric also begins to worry about his parents’ financial stress related to their bookstore and its potential closing. When the three friends put their talents together, they find a solution that boosts sales enough for the bookstore to remain open. Filled with pulchritudinous artwork and scintillating storytelling, this graphic novel is an absolute standout. Sprinkled with rich vocabulary lessons throughout the text, including the two adjectives in the previous sentence, readers will enjoy learning new, exciting words. The diverse characters offer a range of perspectives, providing windows and mirrors for readers across a wide spectrum. With an emphasis on friendship and problem solving, Alexander and Dyce’s characterization and use of humor will draw in readers and keep them hooked.