Cleo Edison Oliver: Playground Millionaire

Reviewed by: Laurel T. Parker - Windham Public Library, Windham, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

Cleo Edison Oliver, adopted fifth grader with two adopted brothers, has big plans for money making. She takes the ups and downs of business in stride, never losing hope that things will succeed. Her business idea for her Passion Project to extract classmate’s teeth with a Nerf gun gets her so excited that she forgets the rule of no guns in school. She also faces a bully who uses her adoption as his weapon. The strength of the story lies within the family bonds and enduring friendships which help keep a steady course for Cleo. Entrepreneurship with a female protagonist at a young age may inspire girls to pursue their own plans, knowing that the road to success is not sure but can be traveled.

Overall Book Score: good