The book Lunch Money was written by Andrew Clement and was illustrated by Brian Selznick by Simon and Schuster. The type of fiction of Lunch Money is realistic fiction, and the plot is in Georgia, at Ashworth Intermediate School, and some parts at Greg’s basement. The story is told in the third person point of view because the narrator seems to know everything. The story in the book is about a boy in the sixth grade with an obsession with making money. In fact, Greg Kenton has an innate talent for profit combined with an utter love for it. Accordingly, throughout the book, the protagonist demonstrates the development of his ability to utilize the context around him in order to make money. For him, the main source of profits lies in the school, as most students have some spare money. Maura is another important character of the story, who contributes to the development of both narrative and emotional aspects of Lunch Money. She demonstrates similar behavior and resembles the protagonist in terms of the love of money. Their competition and subsequent cooperation become one of the main plot points of the book.
As a matter of fact, the relationship between Greg and Maura becomes the ultimate demonstration of the book’s emotional appeal. “Why don’t you try coming up with an idea of your own?”, Greg once said to her (Clements 48). At this point, the protagonist felt irritated by the competition. On the other hand, the quote “Girls like the boys that they’re always mad at, or shoving, or turning their heads away from, or sticking their tongues out at. Never fails” shows a different perspective (Clement 45). While Maura engaged in the competition and eventual conflict, she still felt sympathy for Greg. The relationship reaches the boiling point when both young entrepreneurs begin selling comic books at school. However, when the principal becomes involved, Greg says “I can help you with your comic book” (Clement 188). In a difficult time, he becomes ready to help Maura, which is heartwarming for the reader. Finally, Greg realizes that “Maura’s smile had to be worth at least a million” (Clement 159). Lunch money readers enjoy the emotional growth of both children, who overcome rivalry to become business partners and friends.
Ultimately, Lunch Money is an exceptional example of how the aspect of emotional growth can be effectively included in the story. The relationship between Greg and Maura showed incredible evolution, which supported the development of the plot and added a new dimension to it. At first, there was an evident clash of ideas and interests, as both students wanted to make profits. Greg took the rivalry seriously and felt offended by Maura’s attempts to steal his glory. Nevertheless, the subsequent events show how the two characters grow within the story and grow closer to each other. This transition is presented naturally, both through the author’s narration and the characters’ phrases. Greg and Maura gradually overcome all their differences and, in the end, form a strong bond. This emotional background is highly beneficial to the story, as it adds depth to the narration and engages readers on a different level. In the end, Lunch Money becomes much more than a one-sided story of a boy who likes to make money. It sends a strong emotional message about the value of friendship and cooperation as important tools capable of great achievements.
Work Cited
Clements, Andrew. Lunch Money. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2012.