Lunch Money Literary Elements

Realistic Fiction, Children’s Literature

The story is set in a contemporary suburban school environment, focusing on the middle school of the protagonist, Greg Kenton.

The story is told from a third-person omniscient perspective, providing insight into the thoughts, motivations, and challenges of Greg and the other key characters. This point of view allows readers to understand not only Greg’s entrepreneurial drive but also the perspectives of other characters, such as Maura and Mr. Zentner, the principal.

The tone of the novel is humorous and lighthearted, with a subtle layer of seriousness when addressing themes of competition, cooperation, and creativity. The mood alternates between tension—especially during Greg and Maura’s rivalry—and triumph, as they overcome their differences and collaborate on their comic book project.

Greg Kenton is the protagonist, a bright and ambitious boy with a natural talent for making money. Initially, Maura Shaw serves as his antagonist due to her competitive nature and similar business mindset. However, as the story progresses, the real antagonist becomes the school system’s rules, which threaten to stifle their creativity and entrepreneurship.

The primary conflict revolves around Greg’s struggle to balance his entrepreneurial ambitions with the school’s restrictions on selling products, as well as his rivalry-turned-partnership with Maura. Together, they must navigate rules and convince the school authorities to support their comic book project.

The climax occurs when Greg and Maura present their case to the school committee, advocating for their comic books to be allowed as part of an educational project. Their teamwork and passion for creativity win the approval of the committee, marking a turning point in their journey.

Early in the story, Greg’s meticulous planning and money-making schemes foreshadow his eventual success in finding a creative solution to the school’s restrictions. Similarly, the tension between Greg and Maura hints at their eventual collaboration and the merging of their strengths.

Greg often downplays the importance of his rivalry with Maura, initially viewing her as a nuisance rather than a true equal. This understatement highlights his growth as he comes to appreciate her ideas and learns the value of teamwork.

The novel alludes to real-world economic principles, such as supply and demand, and basic entrepreneurship, making these concepts accessible and relatable for young readers. It also subtly references the challenges faced by small businesses in navigating regulations, drawing parallels to Greg and Maura’s experiences with school rules.

Clements uses vivid imagery to bring Greg’s comic book creations to life, describing the characters, sketches, and ideas in detail. This not only engages the reader but also emphasizes the creativity and effort behind Greg and Maura’s work. The descriptions of Greg’s coin collection and his meticulous organization of money highlight his passion for business and precision.

Greg’s entrepreneurial spirit, which should ideally be encouraged as a sign of creativity and initiative, is paradoxically discouraged by the school’s rules. This tension underscores the broader theme of balancing rules with innovation and highlights the challenges of fostering creativity within rigid systems.

The evolution of Greg and Maura’s relationship mirrors their growth as individuals. Just as they move from rivalry to partnership, their business project transforms from a simple competition into a collaborative, creative endeavor that benefits their entire school community.

The comic books themselves act as a metonym for Greg and Maura’s collaboration, representing their creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit. Similarly, the coins and money Greg collects are a synecdoche for his broader drive and ambition, illustrating his early fascination with business and profit.

Money and entrepreneurship are personified in Greg’s perspective, almost as living entities that drive him and shape his actions. This adds a layer of humor and relatability to his obsession with business, making his journey more engaging for young readers.