Millionaires for the Month

by Stacy McAnulty

"After seventh graders Benji and Felix "borrow" $20 from a lost wallet, the billionaire owner challenges them to spend over $5 million dollars in thirty days in order to learn life lessons about money"--

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Humor, Fiction, Audiobook, Friendship, Childrens

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2020

About the author

Stacy McAnulty is a children’s book author, who used to be a mechanical engineer, who’s also qualified to be a paleontologist (NOT REALLY), a correspondent for The Daily Show (why not), and a Green Bay Packer coach (totally!). She is the 2017 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor Recipient for Excellent Ed, illustrated by Julia Sarcone-Roach. Her other picture books include Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, illustrated by David Litchfield; Brave and Beautiful, both illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff; Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He’s the Favorite, illustrated by Edward Hemingway; and 101 Reasons Why I’m Not Taking a Bath, illustrated by Joy Ang. She’s also authored the chapter book series Goldie Blox, based on the award-winning toys, and The Dino Files. Her debut middle grade novel, The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, will publish in 2018. When not writing, Stacy likes to listen to NPR, bake triple-chocolate cupcakes, and eat triple-chocolate cupcakes. Originally from upstate NY, she now lives in Kernersville, NC with her 3 kids, 2 dogs, and 1 husband.

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could you spend $5 million in a month? Sounds like fun, but what if you are prohibited from donating to charity, investing in assets, and giving gifts? That makes it a whole lot more challenging. Can two 12-year-old boys win the challenge and earn $10 million each? They sure do find some creative ways to spend the money. That's for sure. Will the experience bond make Benji and Felix best friends, or will the money eventually drive them apart? As a parent what was hardest for me was to watch these boys look like a couple of spoiled rich brats and not be able to go to their own parents for advice. Not a good prescription for family togetherness. On the other hand, some of the best books in middle grade fiction show what kids can do when they are not micromanaged. So, I do think kids will be entertained when reading this book. There are some intriguing financial equations included at the end.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book stressed me out. Laura Friendly is a fictional example of why real billionaires disgust me lol. Shady and oblivious AF. I’m sure she could figure out that Felix’s family especially needed that money. She didn’t stop to think about what keeping the secret would do to either family’s dynamic or what would happen if one of their parents quit their job over it. The cherry on top was the “if I give you a million dollars you won’t appreciate when you make your first million.” I wanted to throw the book across the room when I read that. 🙃 Or the having money “isn’t a necessity. It’s is a means to get what you truly need. You cannot eat a dollar bill” talk at the Celtics game. I did like that they showed that money can’t always fix everything.

I think kids will love it though. It was funny, well-paced, and it will spark some great conversations among young readers and teachers. Also, at least Freebie was ok and Felix got to keep him. Could’ve done without some of the Benji and Alma stuff. He overstepped so many times. She should not have apologized for roasting him after he came to her house when in her POV he was clearly being an obnoxious millionaire.

I give it a 3 for me personally, 4 for the target audience.

[Elza Kinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Felix and Benji recover a lost wallet belonging to a billionaire, they find themselves faced with something way bigger than a bundle of reward money. A multi-million dollar challenge sends the boys on the spending spree of a lifetime that may cost them every last cent. If they're lucky.

Fans of a Willy Wonka / Mr. Lemoncello style adventure will undoubtedly enjoy the opportunity to dream up their own way to waste $5mil. However, the story holds a lot of additional value with a generous helping of topics like financial worry, finding true friends, and navigating disappointment. I found I enjoyed this a lot better for its substantial exploration of these topics alongside the fantasy of fortune.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a DRC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.

This was a lovely book. I only briefly SKIMMED the premise before beginning it, but knew that it was something I should keep on my radar since McAnulty is a prominent author in my building and one of her earlier works is currently a nominee for our state award list. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this one, and I can't wait to recommend it to my readers.

Felix and Benji aren't friends. So when they're paired up for a field trip, neither of them is very excited. Felix wishes Benji would just follow the rules, and Benji wishes Felix would have some fun already. When they get to the park for lunch, they find an abandoned wallet. The driver's license belongs to Ms. Friendly, the billionaire. Benji decides to "borrow" $20, buy lunch, and then return the wallet with a note stating who had found it. Soon enough, Ms. Friendly shows up at their school to give them their reward for returning the wallet. The boys are incredibly excited, at least until she offers them a deal: take the scholarship money NOW, or take the amount of penny doubled every day for a month. That amount? Over five million dollars. The catch? They have to spend it all that month, on only themselves, on disposable items (no real estate, no investments) and they have to keep it a secret. If they can do it, they'll get $10 million at the end, to keep. No strings attached.

Being 7th graders, they take the deal. Because how hard can it be to spend five million dollars? Harder than it seems.

So, why only 4 stars? There were a few plot holes/undeveloped items that nagged me enough that I withheld the 5th star. Nothing awful, but enough.

Overall, this is a strong purchase for almost all library collections serving middle grade readers. It is fast paced, fun/funny, and it showcases just how money can change a person.

[Cassie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun story for kids. I even enjoyed the math at the end. Benji and Felix were the most unlikely friends, but as fate would decide - they became business partners, in the oddest way. Sharing and spending 5 million dollars in a month. There were a lot, and I mean A LOT, of rules and stipulations to this 5 million. They learned a lot about who they each were, a lot of philosophical knowledge about the mind of others, and that money definitely doesn’t mean as much as we like to think it does.
In the end, do your best with what you have, work hard for what you want, and be a good friend.

[Annabelle Ofosuhene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started this one as a read-aloud with my grade 5 class and I just had to know how the story ended for myself! The kids (and I) loved the funny and imaginative story line, and it’s clear to see how this novel lends itself well as an engaging, cross-curricular resource!

[Theresa Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

I simply adored this book! The whole concept of the story is brilliant and the story itself is so much fun. There is so much to say about this book but I don't want to give anything away. I KNOW the students at my school will love this book. It's fun, fast paced and is a great conversation starter. Already put this on my to-be-ordered list for my school library.

[Myrtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books ever. I couldn't put it down because it was so exciting and suspenseful. Lots of plot twists! Totally reccomend

[Sara Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two 12 year olds have one month to spend 5 million dollars. The catch? They can't tell anyone what they are trying to do. They can't buy things for others, real estate or cars, if they break the rules it's automatic disqualification. Rule follower Felix has an easier time with rules than Benji, whose main role in life is to see every rule bent. Can they work together to beat the game?

I loved the two entirely different personalities of Felix and Benji. Felix lives with a single mom in a one room apartment and the thought of being extravagant and excessive is distasteful to him. While Benji, who comes from a well-to-do two parent home, has less problems "wasting" their money. In the end, both boys learn lessons and grow as a result of their challenge.

As a teacher, I see so many ways to use this book in the classroom. Students would enjoy telling (writing) ways they would spend the money. Debating if Felix or Benji's approach was right, would bring engaging conversations to the classroom. And allowing students to keep a running tally of how much things cost and how quickly their money was spent would incorporate math. Students, even the reluctant readers, I believe would be intrigued with this concept.

[vy (laufey’s version) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a great deal more than Lightning Girl, which I read in elementary school as part of the reading list (and also at the behest of my librarian, because who are we to distrust elementary school librarians’ judgment?) Revolving around Benji and Felix, our middle school protagonists who find $20 in a wallet belonging to the tech giant, Laura Friendly (weird last name but let’s just roll with it), to buy some snacks that the teacher did not permit on their school field trip (when have we not done that before? Thank you to Stacy McAnulty for actually making the middle-grade protagonists act their age this time, unlike Lucy, who was a math genius whining every other page or thinking she was better than everyone else and ended up not knowing how to solve the easiest math problem known to man.) When their lives collide with Laura Friendly, she gives them a challenge to spend a set amount of money in thirty days, with a list of ground rules. The reward for spending said amount of money? Even more money. Wow. Anyway, spoiler alert; (I’m not categorizing this as ‘Spoilers’ because it’s fairly minor and it won’t disrupt anyone else) they get a date with their principal. Final verdict; a pretty good time-killer for middle-grade readers who love math and the power of consumerism!

[Vish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was stupendously, idiotically, phenomenal. Sooooooo... there were 2 kids named Benji and Felix. They were polar opposites, but they were assigned together as field trip partners, and they found a wallet belonging to a billionaire named Laura Friendly. Benji had to beg Felix to get a hot dog for $20 from Laura Friendly. Then they gave it to a police officer who mailed it back to Ms. Friendly. But Ms. Friendly finds out and offers 2 things $20,000 for collage or a penny doubled each day for 30 days (5,368,709.12). But they have to spend it in the same amount of time and the prize for finishing the challenge was 10,000,000. But they can’t buy houses or gifts, and they can’t tell ANYONE.

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Netgalley and Random House for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This is the story of an unlikely friendship forged by a twenty-dollar bill. Benji is fairly wealthy, he’s the tallest kid in his class, and quite outspoke. Felix, on the other hand, is small, quiet, and his single-mom obviously struggles, financially. Happenstance places both boys in the right place at the right time to be thrown into a game of spending millions in free cash. The catch is, they have to spend over $5,000,000.00 in 30 days or they lose it all. Oh, and did I mention there are a number of rules they must follow. For example, no real estate, no jewelry, no art, and whatever they buy must be used by the boys (so no gifts for others). Easy peasy, right? WRONG! Because they cannot tell a soul about the challenge. Just imagine being the parents of THESE boys as they burn through millions in mere WEEKS!

While I admit I wasn’t enamored by the cover art, the story was captivating right up to the end. I believe the book will make an excellent middle grade read aloud – kids will be talking in class, in hallways, at lunch, and after school as they come up with ways THEY would have made the challenge work, despite the strict rules. But there’s more to this story than money and math. The family relationships and management of an unusual friendship are both insightful and touching. McAnulty writes so well for this audience! And sure to check out the math information and charts available in the back matter.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[₊˚ ⁀➴ kenzie ⠀❦ jacks’ version · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Stacy McAnulty’s books so far, and want to read more of them. This book was really good, and I thought that they would actually win the ten million at the end. Freebie was a great character, and Felix was my favorite. I enjoyed reading about all the things they bought, and overall I liked the book.

[Mary-Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the idea of two boys being granted a dream amount of money. Kind of like Richie Rich. It will be great for kids to see the lesson of how money doesn’t always bring happiness and it can change people. I liked how the chapters ended with the boys’ bank balance. I believe my students will love reading it.

[Liz Friend · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story: Felix and Benji return a wallet after "borrowing" $20 from it. They don't feel bad, because the wallet belongs to billionaire Laura Friendly. In response to their excuse that she has all the money in the world, she offers them a challenge: team up to spend $5 million in one month, and if they can do it, they'll win even more. But...they have to keep it secret, and they can't buy big-ticket items like houses, cars, or artwork. Can they do it? Hand over that debit card, because the boys are willing to find out!

Watch my book trailer: https://youtu.be/C0QAl5kxtDY

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence G; Sexual content G; Nudity G; Substance abuse G; Magic & the occult G; GLBT content PG; adult themes (absent parent, deceit) PG; overall rating PG. Good for grades 4-7.

Liz's comments: A fun story about two boys who don't seem to have much in common, but who can team up for a common cause. And although it turns out to be a lot harder to spend $5 million than they expected--and to keep it secret from their parents--they learn some important life lessons, not least about money.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of this book is a bit far-fetched: two classmates find a billionaire's wallet and take $20 before returning it only to be "rewarded" with a challenge to spend over $5 million dollars in a month. There are several rules, of course, including that money cannot be gifted or used to purchase gifts, invested, or used to buy property. Additionally, all purchases will have to be returned at the end of the month.

It's equal parts entertaining and informative and I can see how it could spark some great conversations. In fact, if I were still teaching I would strongly consider this as a classroom read-aloud that would tie into math class. If readers can suspend their belief regarding the situation, they'll enjoy watching the characters bond over their newfound wealth while discovering that money doesn't solve all of the world's problems, but can be very helpful in solving others.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the concept and plot of the book both intriguing and engaging. The contrast of the two lead characters was well done, as both were likable - for different reasons.

Felix’s sister’s marriage to Michelle seemed a distraction for me, a nod to the ever-popular LGBTQ themes in kid lit lately.

I’d hoped for a more redemptive ending for the story and a bit more personal character development for Benji & Felix. Yet, they were just seventh graders….

A quick read - finished in a day.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young Brewster's Millions, satisfying and with a lot to think about.

Brewster's Millions (Richard Pryor and John Candy) was one of the films of my childhood. About a pretty penniless ball player given $30 million to spend by a distant billionaire relative in his will, he must spend it in a month to receive his true inheritance of $300 million.

Now this wish-fulfilment story is transported to a school, and to two boys who find a billionaire's wallet. As reward/punishment for stealing $20 out of it, she (yes, now a female) sets them a similar challenge. Without explaining to anybody why, and without giving any away, they must spend $5million in a month to receive a bigger sum that is theirs to keep.

But Felix and Benji can't explain to anyone why they are 'wasting' all this money, buying useless things but not things that could be helpful to family and friends. They might just learn what money, riches and even friendship mean over the course of the month.

The context change really worked for this plot: what child hasn't dreamed of this type of scenario, being able to throw money at every single thing they've dreamed of? But consequences exist and the two boys, different in temperament, family situation and even morality, will both find themselves thinking hard about what matters and what they can do together.

Great audiobook, I really enjoyed the narrator voicing the boys, and it's one I'll share with my 9-year-old. It's a straightforward story to follow and a good choice for a listen rather than on paper.

The different personalities of the boys were a good contrast, with a few moral dilemmas flung their way, some maths I enjoyed (regarding the money), the effects of over-indulgence, and some clever manoeuvres to attempt to spend all the money in time.

Great title for the 9-13 market. Lots to think about and to entertain, and even discuss.

With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.

[Jenny (ofproseandspells) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read! Millionaires for the Month is not only entertaining, but also teaches us how money cannot buy the things that matters the most.

The story is about an unexpected friendship that started when two boys found a wallet owned by a tech billionaire. Felix was firmed to return the wallet, but Benji “borrowed” twenty dollars first to buy some hotdogs. A few days later, Laura Friendly contacted and challenged them to spend 5 million dollars for thirty days. If they won, they would get ten million each. Spending that much money seemed easy, but Felix and Benji were bound to lots of rules. At first, they enjoyed spending as much as they want. However, as time went and they encountered problems, they realized it wasn’t fun and easy as they thought the challenge would be. Plotwise, the premise was really intriguing. I think every one dreamed to have that amount of money in one point of their lives. While the overall mood and atmosphere seemed upbeat and juvenile, it also discussed significant and relevant values that younger readers can easily relate to and learn from. Mostly the plot focused on how the value of money affected Felix and Benji’s own worries, their friendship, their relationship with their families, and how other people saw them. I think the book succeeded in conveying the moral lessons it wanted to convey to its readers.

I also enjoyed the dynamics of the two main characters. Felix and Benji were completely opposites in appearance, attitude, and their socio-economic status. While Felix was a follower, Benji always bended the rules. Benji did not have to concern himself to money matters, while Felix’s family struggled. Although Felix had short stature, he was good at playing basketball while Benji’s tall height did not help him to be good at basketball at all. Despite their differences, they knew that they can count on each other. Even when there were few bumps on their friendship, they still managed to solve their issues and become closer than before.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. This fast-paced, delightful book will surely amuse anyone regardless of age. I highly recommend this book.

5/5 stars!

[Mrs. Mazzola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stacy McAnulty once again does a great job of creating complex and nuanced characters that are relatable and engaging. In this story, two boys, thrown together by circumstance and not by choice, happen to find a wallet while on a class trip. They discover that the wallet belongs to the female equivalent of Bill Gates, a billionaire tech mogul, and after some persuasion from one of the boys, they decide to keep $20 to buy food and then return the wallet. This turns into a very serious problem when the owner of the wallet proposes a kind of bet with the boys in lieu of revealing their original theft. The bet is that the boys have to secretly spend 5 million dollars, but with a bunch of stipulations and exceptions. If they succeed, they will get a much bigger payout, but is it even possible? Both boys have their own reasons for wanting to prove themselves and of course that amount of money would be life changing. The story is told in alternating narration with both boys becoming truly fleshed out and interesting characters. Even the side stories are compelling. And, despite the length, the story moves quite quickly. Great messages about the value of money, spending and saving, how friendships develop from shared experiences, and evaluating what is truly important to you. This is perfect for a class read aloud and writing prompt and will absolutely be a hit in my library.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy. All opinions are my own.**

[Juan Jimenez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though I didn’t finish the book “Millionaires for the month” I enjoyed it overall. It starts out explaining a scenario in which Felix Rannells is in seventh-grade on a school field trip. I like how the book is well organized and put. The title really grabbed my attention and made me switch books from another one I was reading. The characters are all middle schoolers who are given a very interesting offer.
The title “Millionaires for the month” really just made me think of what I would do with a million dollars. There’s a part in this book that I’ve always asked myself. The question is “What if I offered you the scholarship money or a penny doubled every day for the first thirty days.” This makes you start to think about a lot but it was definitely an interesting part of the book. In the book you’ll find out what the kids decide but a penny doubled for thirty days is 5,368,709.12.
Overall I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who sees this book and asks themselves if it’s worth reading. Well put the book and from what I read I’d give it a 8/10 I feel like they could have added some pictures. I’m more of a picture person and seeing at least some would’ve made my imagination think a little more about what was going on. Definitely recommend this book and would give it a chance to anyone who has free time.

[Patricia Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5-star book! This is the 3rd book I rated 5 stars this month and I am so lucky to read this book. I loved this book and I even included this on my favorite shelf! This book is perfect for middle-grade kids, young adults, and adults. In this book, you can learn a life lesson here and I loved how the story goes.

The title of this book is "Millionaires for the Month" and I haven't realized yet why the author named that book. When I got to read this book I realized why it was named Millionaires for the Month. I liked the characters and how they learned something. The ending satisfied me and I really happy for the ending like it was a happy ending. I recommend this book to everyone:D

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacy McAnulty's newest book is another unusual tale of unusual friends. This is fun ride for the boys, and readers will surely by plotting how they would spend the money themselves. Like Felix, I was really stressed the whole time about not telling their parents about the deal. I don't think that would work out in reality, but this book is pretty much a fantasy with a realistic setting. The boys overcome their differences to become friends and learn that money really doesn't solve everything. Though, especially in Felix's case, it can solve a lot of things. Recommended!

Read more at .

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun middle grades book. Benji and Felix are assigned to be partners on a field trip when they find a wallet. Before turning it in, they decide to see whose it is. When it is billionaire Laura Friendly, they decide to take $20 from it to buy hotdogs and snacks thinking she won't miss it. Instead of giving them a straight reward, she gives them a penny a day for a month, doubled but it must be spent in that month. If they spend it all, they get $5million each, if they don't, no reward.

This was an interesting premise. I loved that Benji and Felix became such great friends and that they came up with creative ways to stay within the rules of the contest.

[Haley Shaffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you remember in the 80s when Nickelodeon gave away 5 minute shopping sprees in Toys R Us? I was obsessed with those promos and spent hours strategizing how I would make the most of my shopping spree. Definitely hit up the Cabbage Patch aisle. At least one bike. And whatever gaming system was available.

This book is the modern day version of that shopping spree. But with secret rules and a just month to spend over 5 million dollars. Sounds easy right? Two unlikely classmates become acutely aware of what money can-and-can’t- buy.

[Cindy (leavemetomybooks) · Rating 1 out of 5]

(Reading Olympics - Fall 2025)

I really hated this. The concept of a billionaire telling kids to keep a huge secret from their families and waste millions of dollars (especially when one of them is living in near-poverty) just felt gross. I guess everyone learned a valuable lesson about honesty and friendship (and compound interest!) or some such shit, but it was tedious AF to get through and I had a hard time finding anything to like about it. bleh.

[Florence Migga]

I did 1 1/2 hours into about a 7 hour audiobook. Didn’t particularly have strong feelings for either main character or their connection and some of the unrealistic was a bit much. But I did start another one of the author’s books and am enjoying that one so far, so it’s all good.

[anubis s. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Omg, this is a good book!! Two kids (I forgot their names) found a multimillionaire's wallet and stole 20 dollars. They then were challenged by that person to spend five million by the end of the month!! It was really hard for them, and by the end of the month, they almost spent it but they lost.

[Margret Melissa (ladybug) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many inconsistencies. Ms. Friendly (a MC) is correct - It isn't her place to discipline or teach other families' children a lesson. As an adult Ms. Friendly should have known to NEVER tell children to not tell their parents about things. This was a very bad lesson for Ms. McAnulty to espouse in her book. Kids should never hide when adults tell them not to tell their parents something!

[Qua'Tesha Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really really enjoyed this one! How would you spend $5,368,709.12 in 30 days? There are some rules but two boys are up for the task! If they succeed they both get $10 million each! They become best friends in the end! This was such a light and refreshing read!!