The Confessions and Secrets of Howard J. Fingerhut

by Ethan Long and Esther Hershenhorn

Fourth-grader Howard J. Fingerhut, also known as Howie, is so certain he's going to win the H. Marion Muckley Junior Businessperson of the Year Contest, he decides to chronicle the success of his... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823416429
• ISBN13: 9780823416424
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Holiday House
• Length: 125 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.7" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 8 to 11 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 6

Customer Reviews

Splendid, funny, heartwaring story - NOT to be missed

This book has a wonderful voice, a warm tone, and a main character that you fall in love with on the very first page. For a book aimed at this age group, you can't ask for much more. In one of the cleverest presentations I have ever seen, the author leads us through a contest held at school for businessperson of the year. The book is Howard's chronicle of that contest, including - as the title brazenly states - his confe$$ion$ and $ecret$ that will cause him to win the contest. Because, as he tells us very pointedly in the beginning of the book, he is absolutely going to win. He has tremendous, enviable, and infectious confidence. I would very, very much like to see more of Howard J. Fingerhut, and fervently hope that the author will write more about him. I firmly believe that this is a character that should be in the canon of "great characters" in children's fiction. This book had it all for me. Life lessons, learning lessons (a character must grow, and we watch, affectionately, as Howie grows), and several sections of side splitting laughter. I haven't actually laughed aloud while reading a book since reading almost anything by Terry Pratchett, so this is, from me at least, very high praise. I can't recommend this higher. If you're considering buying this book for your child - PLEASE, PLEASE do so. You will not be disappointed, and you will find that you will enjoy the book as much as they will.

The Confe$$ions & $ecret$ of Howard J. Fingerhut

Esther Hershenhorn makes Howie Fingerhut a memorable character who will live a long life in the minds of his readers. With never failing optimism, Howie bumbles his way through various business fiascos as his 4th grade embarks on a themed year of learning: How to Run your own Business. Third fourth and fifth graders will wish they went to this school! Howie, who bills himself as the Boy for all Seasons, never loses his energy, enthusiasm or buoyant spirit, as he carefully records his experiences for his self help book which will be published when he wins the H. Marion Muckley Junior Business Person of the Year award. Even when his parents,classmates and neighbors have doubts, he knows that Howie stands for Hopeful, Original, Willing, Intelligent and Enthusiastic. A real page turner,the hilarious Confe$$ions and $ecret$ of Howard J. Fingerhut is not to be missed!

Confessions and Secrets of Howard J. Fingerhut

Howie is a funny kid with a great sense of humor and lots of ambition. He thinks like a kid, so he's very believable. His class mates are real,too. It's just nice to find a children's book that is not fantasy bound or problem-centered, but one that deals with a real kid's world- probably a suburban kid. Children will identify with Howie or recognize him or one of his classmates. It will bring a smile to every reader's face- both young and old. This book proves sometimes reality can be a pleasant experience.