Discussion Topic
The theme and underlying message in "Lunch Money"
Summary:
The theme of "Lunch Money" revolves around entrepreneurship and the value of hard work. The underlying message emphasizes the importance of creativity, determination, and ethical business practices. It also highlights the significance of collaboration and understanding in resolving conflicts and achieving success.
What is the theme of "Lunch Money"?
“Lunch Money” proposes the idea that a young person can accomplish as much as an adult through hard work and determination. Greg embodies the young entrepreneur that has a knack for making money through various means. From doing chores to helping around his neighborhood, Greg is motivated to do whatever it takes to make money. He begins to expand his operation to selling candy, toys, and books in elementary school, occasionally facing opposition from the principal.
But by the sixth grade, Greg has to deal with competition from Maura, who started making books around the same time Greg started selling his first comic book. As Greg’s childhood rival, Maura intimidates Greg through her similar entrepreneurial pursuits. Tension initially rises between the two when they confront each other about their products, but they eventually see the value in each other and decide to work together. By putting their heads...
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together, Greg and Maura put aside their differences to accomplish things that they couldn’t have done separately.
What is the underlying message in the book "Lunch Money"?
There is more than one message (theme) present in the book Lunch Money. For me, though, two main messages stand out.
One is the importance of hard work. Right from the start of the book, it is clear that Greg is a hard working little kid. He's good at making money, because he is able to find, see, and exploit niche markets. But without his devoted efforts, simply knowing those markets are there won't earn him anything. Greg works hard at making those markets his own. Even when competition stands in his way, Greg looks for ways to improve his product. Later, when the school administration works to shut him down, Greg tries to find ways to work within the system and keep his business open.
I think a second message of the book is the importance of team work. Greg and Maura could have stayed competitors, and they probably would have done okay. They might have both run their businesses into the ground, too, but they decided to work together. They made that decision because Greg and Maura saw that each of them had their own set of strengths that would make a combined business even stronger. As Greg and Maura learned the value of working together, they expanded their team to include Mr. Z. With his help, they were able to create a flourishing comic book business within the school.