Not for a Billion Gazillion Dollars (Matthew Martin Book) [Paperback]

Paula Danziger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 28, 1998 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Matthew Martin Book

With his girlfriend, Jil!, away for the summer, Matthew has plenty of time to earn some money. Not only is he in debt to his parents, but he also owes money to most of his classmates, and he desperately wants to buy a new computer program. Matthew's full of money-making ideas, like renting out his sister's room, but will his wild schemes end up making more trouble than money? "ADanziger's? vibrant narrative, characteristically overflowing with puns, jibes and jokes, once again demonstrates that this talented author knows what makes kids tick -- and what makes them laugh." -- Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

PW praised Danziger's "vibrant, present-tense narrative, characteristically overflowing with puns, jibes and jokes" in this trenchant tale of a young entrepreneur. Ages 9-12.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- Matthew just can't understand why his parents won't buy him the nifty computer program he wants. After all, he makes good grades and never causes any real problems. Determined to have it, he embarks upon a frenzy of fund raising. However, for an 11-year-old, earning money is not easy. When his friend Jil! suggests forming a company to sell cards that can be designed and produced on Matthew's computer, it seems to be the perfect solution. Then, when snacking, video games, and inattention threaten success, Matthew must make some decisions. Fourth in the series that began with Everyone Else's Parents Said Yes (Delacorte, 1989), this book continues to explore adolescence through a boy's point of view. Because Matthew is older now, there is less gross (but funny) food humor, and girls have changed from enemies into rather interesting creatures and maybe even friends. Incorporated into the story is a discussion of the seductive dangers of debt, the fallibility of adults, and the importance of being charitable. Large dollops of humor will make this a popular read for fans of Make Like a Tree and Leave (1990) and Earth to Matthew (1991, both Delacorte).
- Cindy Darling Codell, Clark Middle School, Winchester, KY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 126 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (December 28, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698116933
• ISBN-13: 978-0698116931
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,358,503 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( D ) > Danziger, Paula

More About the Author

Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in New York, Paula Danziger knew since second grade that she wanted to be a writer. Beginning her career as a teacher, Danziger taught at the junior high, high school, college levels. She received her Masters Degree in reading and during that time she wrote her first bestselling novel, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. She returned to teaching, but the success of her book encouraged her to become a full-time writer. It was non-stop for Danziger since then. Among her titles are: the enormously popular Amber Brown books as well as Remember Me To Harold Square, The Divorce Express, and Can You Sue Your Parents For Malpractice?Danziger received numerous honors, including: Parent's Choice Awards, International Reading Association - Children's Book Council Awards, a IRA-CBC Children's Choice Award and many nominations for state reading and library association awards. Known as a flamboyantly funny and deeply honest writer and speaker, Paula Danziger knew how to relate to young readers at their level. She was vital, funny, and compassionate. She knew how kids felt, what made them laugh, what they wore, collected, read, and played with. From collecting novelty toys that would make any teacher cringe, to wearing jangly earrings, funky glasses and shoes covered with beads and sequins, Paula Danziger had a direct line into kids' hearts and funnybones. She will be missed always.In Paula's memory, The Amber Brown Fund has been established to bring authors and illustrators to schools and libraries which otherwise could not afford them. Donations may be sent to The Amber Brown Fund/ SCBWI Museum of Children's Books, 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. "I want people who want to become writers to read lots, write and rewrite lots, take acting lessons to learn about character development, observe people and not to be afraid of not being perfect. As for those people who don't want to be writers, I hope that you will always continue to read and also not be afraid of not being perfect." "I have two sets of heroes: One--bright, creative teachers, who manage to stay in the classroom. And, two--people who have difficult childhoods and manage to use the experiences to grow into caring, understanding adults."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is about a young teen who needs some quick cash., October 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Not for a Billion Gazillion Dollars (Paperback)

Are you somebody who is always broke? Does it seem that you can never get what you want? Well, if you are, this book is for you. The book stars a young teen named Mathew and his two best friends Joshua and Jil! who over reacts so much she changed her name from Jill to Jil!. They try all sorts of ways to make some money, and by the end of their summer they know that money does not grow on trees. The plot to this book isn't packed with action, but it does have some weird but funny points. Mathew and Joshua deal with new topics to them like girls and money. When the book comes to a close you'll discover that everybody gets what they want and a little more. The characters in Not For A Billion Gazillion Dollars support the well written plot. The characters act just as young teens usually act, weird. They all have unique quirks. Take Mathew for example, he is an eleven year old with an obsession with computer programs and bad jokes. His friend Joshua has a personality like the wind; it always changes. Finally, Mathew's almost girl friend Jil! which you already know over reacts. Throw in a couple sets of parents with their own problems and that makes Not For A Billion Gazillion Dollars a five star book. I definitely can relate to the characters in the book because I'm usually stressed for cash and have been in some pretty weird situations too. So go get this book and read it. It is hilariously funny and is one book you probably can't stop reading it until you finish it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not for a Million Gazillion Dollars, September 14, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Not for a Billion Gazillion Dollars (Matthew Martin Book) (Paperback)

This book was great! It kept me interested the whole time and I didn't want to put it down. It is about friends that want to earn money for computer programs and to pay off debts. They decide to start a buisness, of making cards and banners for others. They are successful and are rewarded with enough cash to buy what thy have been saving for. It teaches kids about saving money and handling responsibility. Although, it doesn't have a very strong climax.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for billion gazillion, October 19, 2001

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Not for a Billion Gazillion Dollars (Matthew Martin Book) (Paperback)

This is a book about a kid name Matthew and he wants a computer.
His mom and dad won't buy him one and they said if he needs to earn part of the money for the computer. His sister is leaving for a few days and he is going to rent her room out to any one who is willing to pay rent for the room. He also, wanted to kiss Jill and spend the summer with her.