Kevin is becoming one of my favorite characters. He’s such a …. character! Always scheming someway to get things done, he’s a path-of-least-resistance kind of teen who acts before thinking things through.
In Flat Broke, Kevin needs to make quick cash to take his crush to a dance. Due to his previous shenanigans (in Liar, Liar), Kevin’s allowance has been taken away, his aunt won’t hire him anymore and his babysitting gig isn’t paying like it used to. Kevin, crafty and undaunted, finds creative ways to make a fast buck. But like most get rich quick schemes, Kevin’s plans don’t work out as he hoped.
I laughed a lot while reading. Below are some quotes to demonstrate the humor that any attempt by me to analyze will surely ruin. I’ve added who is speaking for clarification.
In Flat Broke, Kevin needs to make quick cash to take his crush to a dance. Due to his previous shenanigans (in Liar, Liar), Kevin’s allowance has been taken away, his aunt won’t hire him anymore and his babysitting gig isn’t paying like it used to. Kevin, crafty and undaunted, finds creative ways to make a fast buck. But like most get rich quick schemes, Kevin’s plans don’t work out as he hoped.
I laughed a lot while reading. Below are some quotes to demonstrate the humor that any attempt by me to analyze will surely ruin. I’ve added who is speaking for clarification.
Kevin: I don’t want a ride.
Sister: What do you want?
Kevin: Money
Sister: How much? And Why? And you know I don’t just give money away for nothing. There’s a vig.
I raised my eyebrows, glad that one of the books I’d read had been written by a guy in the witness protection program, explaining his former career as a loan shark. I knew that a vig was the interest due on money borrowed. My sister is a dark and mysterious person. More likely, she read the same book in our basement. I was starting to like her more and more. (Paulsen 20).
Kevin: Auntie Buzz.
She looked up from her desk, started to smile, remembered she was still mad about the way I’d lied to her, and scowled.
Kevin: I’m here to make you an offer, I said
Aunt: I have an MBA, I’m wired on too much caffeine and I have a grudge against you. You think you have what it takes to do business with me?
Kevin: Yup.
Aunt: I’m a sucker for self-confidence. State your case. (Paulsen 22)
Despite the fact that all my ideas turned into poo on a stick, everyone around me farts gold dust these days. (Paulsen 115)
I hope Paulsen writes more about Kevin! If you're looking for a good middle grade book that's funny look no further!
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books (Random House), 2011 Pages: 118
Rating: 5 Stars Source: Public Library
I honestly didn't even know that Gary Paulson wrote funny books! You've opened my eyes to a whole new GP world beyond Hatchet, Woods Runner, and the like!
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