You’re the Boss by Brian Weisfeld and Bonnie Bader

You’re the Boss is a quick but comprehensive guide to for entrepreneurial kids interested in starting a business.

You’re the Boss: A Kid’s Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Own Business by Brian Weisfeld and Bonnie Bader. Philomel, 2024, 106 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10

Recommended for: ages 8-14

Some kids like to think and dream; others like to DO. You’re the Boss is for those dreamers who are ready to try something bold. Not everyone is an entrepreneur, but those who live in a free society (like us, so far) can exercise those gifts to benefit themselves and others. This “ultimate guide” covers all the bases in a friendly writing style that’s both encouraging and realistic. From “Identify Your Interests” to “Branding” to “Balancing Your Time and Money” (and many steps in between), this business of free enterprise sounds do-able for the hardworking and ambitious. And if they fail? Well, “You Gotta Have Grit!” A true entrepreneur knows how to fail as well as succeed. The trick is to learn from failure.

As an example throughout the book, the authors use making and selling dog biscuits to a neighborhood clientele (recipe included, if that floats your boat). Sidebars about other successful tween and teen startups provide inspiration through the pages. One thing made me smile: a reference to these plastic disks called DVD’s that people used to watch movies on. Way to make us grownups feel old!

Bottom Line: An encouraging and practical guide for kid-sized business startups.

Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Review: Mikaila Ulmer is the first inspirational example in You’re the Boss. See our review of her book, Bee Fearless.
• Reviews: It’s never to early to learn about money (and how to manage it)! Here’s a roundup of helpful titles.

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