How to Win a Million Dollars is a madcap, self-deprecating, laugh-out-loud coming-of-age story that reads like David Sedaris meets Heartstopper, told as Ready Player One. It takes readers on an adventure through the wildly inventive, sometimes questionable, but always entertaining schemes of a boy who would do anything to make it big.

Set in Reagan-era America, this 1980s tall tale follows a kid with a knack for scamming, hustling, and occasionally crashing and burning—all in pursuit of that elusive big win. Luke’s imagination was constantly set on fire by million-dollar daydreams and DIY hustles. Whether it was hunting down the missing Cap’n Crunch or gaming McDonald’s Monopoly, no scheme was too ridiculous, no shortcut too far-fetched. With his trusty Hustler bike and a fitsful of determination, Luke didn’t just dream—he plotted. Dragging his little sister—turned faithful sidekick—into trouble at every turn, her sweet voice was always in his ear, making us wonder: is he conning her, or is she saving him from himself?

As Luke grew up, so did the schemes—from navigating the pitfalls of a Broadway Cinderella story (dirty hands and all), to facing down a vengeful volcano goddess. With each crazy plan, the stakes got higher, the twists got weirder, and Luke had to ask himself the big questions: Can you beat the system, or will the system beat you? And what do you do when your dreams—and all your wildest schemes—start to crumble?

Packed with humor, heartbreak, and the same unstoppable spirit that drove Luke to paperboy scams and glitter-filled art shows, How to Win a Million Dollars is a whirlwind ride through epic failures, surprising successes, and the realization that sometimes the journey is even better than the jackpot. This story is proof that while everything could fall apart at any moment, that's just part of the fun. And maybe, just maybe, there's a million-dollar prize still out there somewhere, waiting to be won.