Marcus isn't the coolest kid in school. The other kids make fun of his old clothes and raggedy backpack, but at least he has one true friend, Taylor, who likes him for who he is. But when Marcus finds a winning lottery ticket on the ground on the last day of school, his whole world changes! Now, with a backpack full of money, everything is possible--and Marcus goes on the spending spree to show it: never-ending arcade games, all-day Chipotle, and all the best elementary school bling. Marcus's classmates flock to him and shower him with praise, and he is feeling good, spending money on his "new friends." In the meantime, Taylor is shrinking further and further away. Will Marcus get caught up in the world of money and fame or will he learn to stay true to himself and remember his real friend?

The authors of this story are part of an innovative program run by Reach Incorporated. Reach develops grade-level readers and capable leaders by preparing teens to serve as tutors and role models for younger students, resulting in improved literacy outcomes for both. Learn more at reachincorporated.org. Books were created in collaboration with Shout Mouse Press. Shout Mouse is a nonprofit writing and publishing house dedicated to amplifying underheard voices. Through writing workshops that lead to professional publication, Shout Mouse empowers writers from marginalized backgrounds to tell their own stories in their own voices and, as published authors, to act as agents of change. Learn more at shoutmousepress.org