The strength in this book is definitely the moral dilemma. Cohn presents us with a believable scenario. Bridie is old enough to recognize both the precarious nature of her financial situation and the likely suspicious nature of the money she finds. She is a realistic character, likeable but not perfect. She justifies a lot of bad decisions, keeping secrets and alienating those closest to her. She lies and manipulates. Since her ultimate goal is selfless she remains likeable. She also faces consequences for all of her bad decisions. The messaging is clear enough to allow for a solid discussion with a group of young readers.

Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury Children's for the gifted book I read with the library audio.

Exploring themes of poverty and privilege, moral dilemmas, and friendship, Birdie's Billions is endearing and entertaining. After Birdie finds a stash of cash (a big one!), she figures out a way to get it to her mom who is struggling to pay the bills. Living her life with having to constantly look over her shoulder isn't what she bargained for though. She learns along the way that actions matter more than appearances though and that's a lesson we can all take to heart. I thought this book was fun and had such good lessons all throughout.

I don't know what to say about this book. It is truly the definition of a 'meh' book to me. I don't feel strongly about this book either way really. I wish this book was a bit more adventurous. I felt a bit bored throughout this book at times. The characters also felt a bit flat and some of the lessons felt shoe horned in. But at the same time I quite like the premise of this book and I do quite like how this book progresses. I also quite liked the way this was resolved, although it did feel a bit long winded at times. I also liked how it didn't really shy away from the social commentary around classism in this book. Considering it's a middle grade novel I didn't expect this to really go there but I quite liked that it did, as that is something people of this age range deal with. So yeah, it's very middle of the road for me. I would still recommend this if you are interested but you are also not missing out on much if you aren't.

Birdie’s Billions is a fun story for those who enjoy reading about someone experiencing a sudden windfall. With her newfound money, main character Birdie finds her life gets complicated to say the least. Birdie is a character who feels very authentic: a young girl who just wants to fit in. At times, Birdie might drive readers crazy as she continually lies to fit in, digging herself into a deeper hole again and again. Be patient though because if she didn’t make so many mistakes it wouldn’t make as interesting of a story and the ending wouldn’t be nearly as satisfying. Along with being entertaining the story is full of great themes such as the importance of telling the truth, embracing your differences, and owning up to your mistakes. Tweens will love and likely relate in one way or another to this great read.

What would you do if you discovered big money hidden in a wall of an abandoned house?Read Birdie’s Billions to see what one girl does when she finds herself in that situation!

This book makes you think about what you would do if it happened to you, while also keeping you in suspense about how Birdie’s decisions will play out. The story blends a little bit of excitement, a little bit of mystery, a little bit of danger, and quite a few secrets and lies, all while highlighting some of the financial inequities children and their families experience in an approachable way. I found it an interesting read as an adult, and one that I suspect will intrigue and engage the 3rd-5th grade readers at my school.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

Birdie accidentally finds half a million dollars in an abandoned house and this sets her down a path she doesn't always feel good about it...is lying okay when what you're lying about helps others. An engaging story about moral dilemmas and poverty, and doing the right thing even when you really don't want to.

Birdie’s Billions is a unique, absorbing, middle grade novel about poverty, moral dilemmas and class privilege. With a fresh plot and and an endearing, flawed protagonist, this story highlights the impact of financial difficulties on kids. It also shows the value of a supportive home environment and community, especially in challenging times. If you like engaging realistic fiction with protagonists who don’t always do the right things, you’ll enjoy this one.

When Birdie accidentally finds thousands of dollars hidden in an old house wall, her life is turned upside down. She begins to lie to many people including her mother. Birdie researches the area and learns of a scam and wonders if this money is part of the scam. She finds doing the right thing is not always easy, but she must think of the consequences. Someone tells her think of how others would feel, think of their pain and hurt. Does Birdie recognize right from wrong at the end?