My Favorite Books of 2007: The Walton Street Tycoons
When I was about seven, and heavily influenced by Encyclopedia Brown, I opened my first business. I’ve never been one for short business names, and “Dane’s Detective Agency” was no different. I put a cardboard sign on my bike and rode around the neighborhood looking for cases. My marketing program was unsuccessful, and I never did find a case, but I did learn that I was more interested in the business side of detective work than in the investigation. This first foray into entrepreneurship set me on a path that’s led me to today.
Since then, I’ve always enjoyed reading stories about child entrepreneurs and my next favorite business book of 2007 is a juvenile, libertarian romp about a twelve-year old boy who single-handily revives the economy of a struggling upstate New York community by breaking every labor law, food service regulation and IRS dictation on the books.
I have one copy of the book to giveaway. To enter, please comment on this post.
East River Press’s description of the book after the jump.
Twelve-year-old Mark Hoffman disrespects authority, cuts class at every opportunity, and suspects he knows better than nearly every adult in Walton, New York. He may be right—he is, after all, one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the community. As the co-founder of the phenomenally popular Desserts Express, Mark and his hilarious friends just might revitalize their dying hometown, if only the grown-ups would stop arresting them and shutting down their businesses.
The Walton Street Tycoons is a young adult novel about the friendships and misadventures of an extraordinary group of pre-teen capitalists. Mark and his friends confront the challenges of a corrupt small-town government, condescending teachers and parents, and the onset of girl trouble. Themes of freedom and individualism underscore a fast-paced, humorous narrative filled with food fights, practical jokes and the quest for a perfect day of fishing.
Scott on December 4th, 2007 1:49 pm
Sounds like a fun book! Kind of encyclopedia brown meets richard cramer!
Rich on December 4th, 2007 2:41 pm
Don’t want the book, just want to share early biz story.
When I was in 7th grade, as part of science class, you had to collect, identify and mount 25 insects on a styrofoam board.
I lived near a big shopping center with mercury vapor lights. At night the place would be crawling with all sorts of bugs.
I grabbed the bugs and sold them to my classmates to make some nice $$$.
ps- the Encyclopedia Brown of my generation was Brains Benton and the Hardy Boys.
mankind on December 4th, 2007 9:16 pm
Thanks for the info about the book.
Just want to share for me I love to read young investigation book involve several friends looking for the bad guys team.
When you talk about food fight I can imagine about the situation.Anybody need their part and become selfish at that time.huhu.
Yaya on December 4th, 2007 11:23 pm
I love reading any kind of books..so definitely want this book :)
Shama Hyder on December 5th, 2007 10:09 am
Looks like a fantastic read! Thank you.
Jon West on December 5th, 2007 1:28 pm
I’d also be interested in reading this book, thanks Dane.
Dawud Muhammad on December 6th, 2007 7:56 am
I found the article to be refreshing and enlighting. I always have our young people in mind as I do business on a daily bases. History has shown us that those who “Think outside the box” has always contributed a tremendous amount to our upward spiral as we work hard to bring new products and services to the market place. Thank God for unconventional thinker! PS! This book should be required reading for young people……. Thanks!
Dane on December 6th, 2007 8:23 am
Author Jim Lesczynski has noticed that I’m giving away his book.
Don’t you just love the internet?!
Steve Heston on December 6th, 2007 11:16 pm
Count me for a giveaway!
Matthew on December 7th, 2007 9:54 am
I guess I fall sort of in the middle, then, as I read both the Hardy Boys and Encyclopedia Brown (Mom had her collection of Hardy Boys books handy).
This sounds like an interesting read and I would love to have a copy.
Oleg on December 7th, 2007 2:01 pm
Sounds like an entertaining book to read. The “breaking the law” part doesn’t sound very good for business though :D Hopefully the concept can be used in other business models.
Marcia G on December 8th, 2007 11:24 am
Sounds to be some entertaining reading and also enlightening reading, would love to check this book out!
Chris (Amateur Traveler podcast) on December 8th, 2007 11:41 am
I think child labor laws and the like were an enlightened change in the early 1900s but they certainly never envisioned what happens when the kids themselves run the business!
Aminah on December 10th, 2007 1:34 pm
I would love that book for my 16 year old daughter. She is an avid reader and is running out of good books to read.
Aminah on December 10th, 2007 1:38 pm
I would love that book for my 16 year old daughter. She is an avid reader and is running out of good books to read. I am also teaching her about entrepreneurship
Angela on December 12th, 2007 10:42 pm
Sign me up!
Im bloggin ya now :)
http://contestaddict.blogspot.com
Amanda on December 13th, 2007 8:18 am
Sounds like a great book! Count me in please.
janet on December 13th, 2007 6:35 pm
wonderful reading count me in.
Saph on December 14th, 2007 9:39 pm
Count me in!!!! =)
glitter on December 15th, 2007 9:10 am
Great giveaway.
Linda on December 16th, 2007 10:24 pm
Hi Dane,
I loved Encyclopedia Brown . . . and Nancy Drew, of course!!!! I think my son will enjoy it as well.
Here’ s a heads up on a new business book coming out in a few days — The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. I think it will become a business classic (like Who Moved My Cheese). It has a simple message, but will help in tapping your true biz potential. Check it out.
Hope I win! :-)
Happy Holidays,
Linda
Haris on March 28th, 2008 12:43 am
this sounds very interesting. and there are many good comments. I guess, I have to read this book. Thanks for the advice.
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