One day I was 12 years old and broke. Then Grandma gave me Grandpa's old riding lawnmower. I set out to mow some lawns. More people wanted me to mow their lawns. And more and more. . . . One client was Arnold the stockbroker, who offered to teach me about "the beauty of capitalism. Supply and Demand. Diversify labor. Distribute the wealth." "Wealth?" I said. "It's groovy, man," said Arnold.
If I'd known what was coming, I might have climbed on my mower and putted all the way home to hide in my room. But the lawn business grew and grew. So did my profits, which Arnold invested in many things. And one of them was Joey Pow the prizefighter. That's when my 12th summer got really interesting.
"Starred Review. When it comes to telling funny stories about boys, no one surpasses Paulsen, and here he is in top form." - Booklist.
"Readers will find this madcap story a wise investment of their time." - Publishers Weekly.
"This rags-to-riches success story has colorful characters, a villain, and enough tongue-in-cheek humor to make it an enjoyable selection for the whole family." - School Library Journal.
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Gary Paulsen is the distinguished author of many critically acclaimed books for young people, His most recent books are The Legend of Bass Reeves, Molly McGinty Has a Really Good Day, The Time Hackers, and The Amazing Life of Birds. He lives in New Mexico and Alaska.

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