Billy Sure Kid Entrepreneur

Gr 3–5—The All Ball is an incredible new invention that can change from a basketball to a soccer ball (or baseball, hockey puck, or bowling ball) with just the click of a remote. Who wouldn’t want one? It’s the talk of the nation and possibly the world as the inventor espouses the advantages of the All Ball on national television. The inventor is Billy Sure, a young tinkerer and entrepreneur who also worries about how his fame will affect the start of seventh grade. After all, the All Ball is a device that even the school bullies own. Billy also worries about what will happen if everyone discovers he might not have actually invented the All Ball, especially now that he’s committed to producing his next invention: the Sibling Silencer. This is a lightweight mystery featuring good kids, kooky inventions, and a little sibling rivalry, with black-and-white doodles throughout. VERDICT A general purchase for libraries looking for light mysteries for younger middle grade readers.—Kelly Roth, Bartow County Public Library, Cartersville, GA

‘Sharpe creates characters with high child appeal . . . Ross adds comic details with his spot art that takes its cue from student sketches and doodles . . . Put this page-turner in the hands of those who appreciate a light read with a touch of mystery and humor.’ (Kirkus Reviews)

‘The All Ball is an incredible new invention that can change from a basketball to a soccer ball (or baseball, hockey puck, or bowling ball) with just the click of a remote. Who wouldn’t want one? . . . This is a lightweight mystery featuring good kids, kooky inventions, and a little sibling rivalry, with black-and-white doodles throughout. VERDICT: A general purchase for libraries looking for light mysteries for younger middle grade readers.’ (School Library Journal)

‘In this peppy series launch … fun banter among Billy, his peers, and his acerbic older sister, Emily, keep this brisk story rolling,while Ross’s scribbled marginalia and spot illustrations are in keeping with the kid-founded, garage-based entrepreneurism of Sure Things Inc.’ (Publisher’s Weekly)

“This funny debut features likable Billy Sure, 12, entrepreneur and CEO of Sure Things, Inc. … Sprinkled with Ross’ kidlike black-and-white illustrations, this fast-paced, wacky series opener will appeal to fans of Tommy Greenwald’s Charlie Joe Jackson series.” (Booklist)

‘This delightful and whimsical story will resonate with Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Amulet Books) and Big Nate (HarperCollins) fans. . . . Media specialists and teachers will appreciate its appeal for reluctant readers.’ (School Library Connection)