Project Pay Day — Brent Hartinger

NOW A FEATURE FILM! (co-starring Superman's David Corenswet)Our parents just said we had to get summer jobs. They didn't say what summer jobs!Dave and his two best friends, Hannah and Curtis, are looking forward to a summer of complete freedom, but their parents have another idea: they insist that the three teenagers get summer jobs.But the friends come up with a plan: Why not invent fake jobs to get their parents off their backs? The trouble is, their parents are going to want to see them bringing in real money. And that means finding a way to get-rich-quick, but without breaking the law, and without doing any actual work.The summer passes and Dave, Curtis, and Hannah try a long list of schemes: trying to catch bank robbers to win the reward; scientifically calculating the correct number of jelly beans in a contest jar; finding and exploring a network of underground smugglers' tunnels; and even diving for sunken treasure.But Project Pay Day never quite goes according to plan, and they don't make the money they need.Soon summer is almost over, and they have no choice but to solve a big local mystery — or face the consequences of their actions, which includes their parents breaking up the trio for good!(For readers age 10 and up. An early version of this book was published under the title Project Sweet Life.)REVIEWSAn ingenious plot with a little Tom Sawyer, a little Homer Price, and a lotta laughs! That's what I call 'sweet!'– Michael Cart, BooklistA hilarious story filled with mishaps, close calls, and outrageous adventures.– School Library JournalThe friendship, lightly and expertly depicted, drives the book, while their smartly plotted moneymaking schemes are creative, highjinks-filled, and hilariously almost effective.– Horn Book ReviewLovable, flawed, and genuinely charming, Hartinger's characters drive the story …[It's'] funny, realistic yet whimsical story delivered up with loving care.– CLCDPRAISE FOR BRENT HARTINGERHits the narrative sweet spot.- NPR's All Things ConsideredDownright refreshing.- USA TodayI really think this guy could be the next Judy Blume. - Pop Candy