Fourth-grader Howard J. Fingerhut, also known as Howie, is so certain he's going to win the H. Marion Muckley Junior Businessperson of the Year Contest, he decides to chronicle the success of his entry lawn care business - A Boy for All Seasons - from September through June and sell the journal as a how-to book for junior businesspeople.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Introducing himself to readers as the author of the book they are holding, fast-talking narrator Howie describes it as a how-to book with "a diary in the middle," and announces that it "will probably change your life." Hershenhorn's (There Goes Lowell's Party) chronicle of the boy's month-by-month account of the business he launches to try to win a school contest includes some diverting twists and comical dialogue. At the start of the school year, Howie feels confident that his lawn-care business, "A Boy for All Seasons," will land him first prize in the H. Marion Muckley Junior Businessperson of the Year Contest, named for the late founder of Muckley Milkshakes and inventor of the "steel-blade milkshake pulsator." The budding entrepreneur's classmates intermittently compete with a vengeance and lend a helping hand (humorously, often out of self-interest). Although they come across as a somewhat stock crew (the class know-it-all, wise guy, genius, etc.), Howie's cock-eyed view will keep readers' interest. One blow-by-blow "On the Scene with Howard J. Fingerhut," for instance, which charts Howie's failed attempt to clean up the Busghetti's lawn, may well have the audience in stitches. They'll undoubtedly deem his $illy mi$adventure$ amu$ing. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 3-5-Howard J. Fingerhut is an intelligent, athletic, and incredibly confident fourth grader, so when he learns that his class is participating in a contest, he is certain that he will win. The challenge is to start a profitable business with a $50 investment supplied by the town's milkshake maven. Howie evaluates his skills and the needs of his community, and he chooses to open "A Boy for All Seasons," a basic raking, shoveling, and mowing enterprise. He is so sure of his impending success that he also decides to write a self-help book for other young entrepreneurs, with one chapter for each month of the school year until his inevitable victory in June. That is the rationale for the structure of this novel. The majority of children in the target audience will not have read or had any experience with a self-help book, so much of the humor will be lost on them. The author forces the structure to such a point that there are spots for photos that Howie claims he "will have his publisher include," leaving readers with over 15 virtually blank pages to ponder. The characters are not strong enough to overcome the underlying format flaws. Titles by Andrew Clements provide readers with a more satisfying mixture of reality and humor.
Laura Reed, Pickering Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Laura Reed, Pickering Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Splendid, funny, heartwaring story - NOT to be missed,
This review is from: The Confe$$ion$ and $ecret$ of Howard J. Fingerhut (Hardcover)
This book has a wonderful voice, a warm tone, and a main character that you fall in love with on the very first page. For a book aimed at this age group, you can't ask for much more.
In one of the cleverest presentations I have ever seen, the author leads us through a contest held at school for businessperson of the year. The book is Howard's chronicle of that contest, including - as the title brazenly states - his confe$$ion$ and $ecret$ that will cause him to win the contest. Because, as he tells us very pointedly in the beginning of the book, he is absolutely going to win. He has tremendous, enviable, and infectious confidence. I would very, very much like to see more of Howard J. Fingerhut, and fervently hope that the author will write more about him. I firmly believe that this is a character that should be in the canon of "great characters" in children's fiction. This book had it all for me. Life lessons, learning lessons (a character must grow, and we watch, affectionately, as Howie grows), and several sections of side splitting laughter. I haven't actually laughed aloud while reading a book since reading almost anything by Terry Pratchett, so this is, from me at least, very high praise. I can't recommend this higher. If you're considering buying this book for your child - PLEASE, PLEASE do so. You will not be disappointed, and you will find that you will enjoy the book as much as they will.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Confe$$ions & $ecret$ of Howard J. Fingerhut,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Confe$$ion$ and $ecret$ of Howard J. Fingerhut (Hardcover)
Esther Hershenhorn makes Howie Fingerhut a memorable character who will live a long life in the minds of his readers. With never failing optimism, Howie bumbles his way through various business fiascos as his 4th grade embarks on a themed year of learning: How to Run your own Business. Third fourth and fifth graders will wish they went to this school! Howie, who bills himself as the Boy for all Seasons, never loses his energy, enthusiasm or buoyant spirit, as he carefully records his experiences for his self help book which will be published when he wins the H. Marion Muckley Junior Business Person of the Year award. Even when his parents,classmates and neighbors have doubts, he knows that Howie stands for Hopeful, Original, Willing, Intelligent and Enthusiastic. A real page turner,the hilarious Confe$$ions and $ecret$ of Howard J. Fingerhut is not to be missed!
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Confessions and Secrets of Howard J. Fingerhut,
By Judith C. Richards (Newtown Square, PA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Confe$$ion$ and $ecret$ of Howard J. Fingerhut (Hardcover)
Howie is a funny kid with a great sense of humor and lots of ambition. He thinks like a kid, so he's very believable. His class mates are real,too. It's just nice to find a children's book that is not fantasy bound or problem-centered, but one that deals with a real kid's world- probably a suburban kid. Children will identify with Howie or recognize him or one of his classmates. It will bring a smile to every reader's face- both young and old. This book proves sometimes reality can be a pleasant experience.
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