Books about entrepreneurship

Karen Brewer is back with another big idea! In Karen's Kittycat Club, Karen and her best friends Hannie and Amanda decide to follow in the footsteps of Karen's big sister, Kristy, by starting their very own club. Since they all love cats, they decide to launch a cat-sitting business. But running a club and taking care of neighborhood pets is harder than it looks! This charming graphic novel adaptation by Katy Farina brings Ann M. Martin's classic character to life for a new generation of readers.

This book is perfect for children who love animals and those who enjoy stories about friendship and starting small businesses. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in the Baby-Sitters Club universe but who are looking for something geared toward a slightly younger audience. With vibrant illustrations and relatable themes of responsibility and teamwork, it's a great choice for early readers transitioning into longer stories.

Highlights:

• A fun introduction to entrepreneurship and responsibility for young children.
• Beautifully illustrated graphic novel format that keeps reluctant readers engaged.
• Explores the bond between friends and their shared love for pets.
• Part of the popular Baby-Sitter's Little Sister series, perfect for building a reading habit.

Kristy's Great Idea is the vibrant graphic novel adaptation of the classic series that has captured the hearts of generations. When seventh-grader Kristy Thomas has a brilliant idea to form a "Baby-sitters Club" with her best friends, she doesn't realize she's starting a business that will test their friendships and help them grow in ways they never imagined. This modern retelling by Raina Telgemeier brings the beloved characters of Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey to life with expressive illustrations and relatable middle-school drama.

Perfect for children who love stories about strong friendships and entrepreneurial spirit, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in realistic fiction and graphic novels. It tackles everyday challenges—from dealing with strict parents and new family dynamics to managing a business and navigating social circles—with humor and heart. Whether your child is a longtime fan of the original novels or discovering the BSC for the first time, this graphic novel is a fantastic entry point into a world of responsibility and fun.

Highlights:

• Relatable stories about the ups and downs of middle-school friendships.
• Engaging graphic novel format that appeals to both avid and reluctant readers.
• Positive themes of teamwork, responsibility, and female empowerment.
• A great introduction to a long-running, beloved series.

Greg Kenton is a sixth-grader with a singular focus: making money. From a young age, Greg has been obsessed with coins, savings, and business ventures. His latest and greatest idea is "Chunky Comics"—hand-drawn, miniature comic books that fit perfectly into a pocket and sell for a quarter. Business is booming until he realizes his long-time rival and neighbor, Maura Shaw, has started her own line of mini-books. What begins as a fierce competition between two young entrepreneurs evolves into an unexpected partnership as they realize their combined talents make for a superior product.

However, their business venture faces its biggest challenge yet when the school principal bans the sale of their comics on campus. Greg and Maura must set aside their differences and navigate the complexities of school board politics and free speech to save their enterprise. Lunch Money is a smart, engaging story that explores the world of business through a child's eyes, making it a perfect choice for children who love stories about clever kids, creative projects, and standing up for what they believe in.

Highlights:

• Ideal for readers interested in entrepreneurship, business, and creative writing.
• Features a realistic and evolving friendship between two former rivals.
• Explores themes of school rules, authority, and the power of persistence.
• Great choice for fans of Andrew Clements' other school-based novels like Frindle.

Rafe Khatchadorian is back, and this time he's trading his sketchbook for a leash! In Middle School: Dog's Best Friend, Rafe discovers that his family is struggling financially and decides to take matters into his own hands. He launches a neighborhood dog-walking empire to help out, but things get complicated when a pair of competitive twins start a "Great Dog War" to steal his clients. To make matters worse, his genius younger sister, Georgia, has skipped a grade and is now in all of his classes!

This hilarious installment is perfect for children who love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series or any reader who enjoys fast-paced, illustrated stories about the chaos of growing up. James Patterson expertly blends laugh-out-loud humor with genuine heart, exploring real-world issues like financial stress and family loyalty in a way that remains accessible and engaging. It is an ideal choice for reluctant readers who appreciate funny protagonists, relatable middle school drama, and the triumph of the underdog. Whether your child is a longtime fan of Rafe or new to the series, this book offers a great mix of slapstick comedy and meaningful life lessons.

Highlights:

• A funny and relatable look at starting a first business and managing money.
• Explores themes of family support and resilience during tough times.
• Perfect for fans of illustrated novels and humorous realistic fiction.
• Features the classic underdog charm of Rafe Khatchadorian.

Stacey McGill has a lot on her plate. Not only is she the new girl in Stoneybrook, but she is also managing her Type 1 diabetes while trying to fit in with her new friends in the Baby-Sitters Club. In The Truth About Stacey, Raina Telgemeier's vibrant graphic novel adaptation of the classic series, readers follow Stacey as she navigates the challenges of overprotective parents, health management, and a rival babysitting group that threatens to put the BSC out of business.

This book is perfect for children who love stories about strong female friendships and real-life challenges. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in relatable middle school drama and those who enjoy visual storytelling. Telgemeier's artwork brings the beloved characters to life, making it a great choice for both long-time fans of the original series and newcomers looking for an engaging graphic novel.

Highlights:

• Relatable portrayal of living with a chronic health condition like diabetes.
• Strong emphasis on teamwork and the importance of supportive friendships.
• Engaging plot involving business competition and problem-solving.
• Accessible graphic novel format that appeals to reluctant readers.