Max Malone Makes a Million

Max Malone

by Charlotte Herman, Cat Bowman Smith (Illustrator)

Max and his sidekick, Gordy, try various get-rich-quick schemes only to be outdone each time by smart-aleck Austin Healy. Peppy dialogue and a fast-moving plot make this easy chapter book a reassuring choice for newly independent readers.

"The characters are likable, the plot moves along smoothly, and there's enough dialogue to draw readers into the story. Smith's humorous line drawings, with washes of gray watercolor, punctuate the text nicely." - School Library Journal

Genres: Chapter Books, Fiction, Money, Realistic Fiction

76 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1991

About the author

Charlotte Herman is the author of many beloved books for children, including the acclaimed Millie Cooper series and The House on Walenska Street. Like Dorrie, Charlotte possesses a lifelong love of family, chocolate malteds, and hot fudge sundaes. She makes her home outside of Chicago.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant surprise! Really enjoyed it as did my boys (ages almost-5 and 7). First published in 1991, it felt a bit nostalgic to me, but I think it holds up well for the current generation and there really isn't much to date it other than the lack of mobile phones and the style of illustrations. Herman skillfully weaves in great lessons for running a business in this humorous and entertaining story: sell what you know how to do well, set up your business where you'll attract customers, sell what people want to buy (and at a price that you'll actually make a profit)... and, of course, money isn't everything! I love the way Max finally makes his "million" :-) Includes great reminders that we should never think we "know it all" or be above learning from other people (and don't be too quick to judge someone based on appearances). Great story for the budding entrepreneur!

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great early chapter book with humor and family-friendly style. MC faces a series of challenges trying to get rich quick and also underlying attitude problems of greed, jealousy, pride. Good character arc in an age-appropriate format.

[Tanja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great novel for younger readers still building stamina in reading chapter books. Through its short chapters and accompanying full page illustrations, the slim volume gets a "manageable" look and feel. The story too will grab young readers' interest - who would not want to find out how to make a quick million? Yet, the failures will sound all too familiar, and the resolution puts the world back into perspective. Overall a really satisfying read.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple story with a positive message. Some good examples of how children should treat each other. Currently reading with my third graders, curious to see how they enjoy it.

[Julia Agris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read for a class I'm teaching!

Easy read, cute plot and really shows how kids should treat each other ~

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story about a boy who learns entrepreneurial lessons the hard way, and then learns the the value of generosity.

[Abdurrahman Kabardaev · Rating 5 out of 5]

i want to read

[Kianna]

i think it was a good idea that max malone did a lemonade stand but then i didn't because some kids was thirsty and they was about to buy some, until their mother said no because they didn't know what was in it

[Bella]

its great hbut i need a book just like this

[Devin D.d]

This story teaches kids how to start a business. Max runs into some problems getting started but eventually he does. But in the end he takes friendship over money.

[Miracle · Rating 5 out of 5]

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