Cleo Edison Oliver in Persuasion Power
Arthur A. Levine Books / Scholastic Inc., 2017
Illustrations by Jennifer L. Meyer
Chosen for Seattle Public Library’s Global Reading Challenge, 2018
“Cleo’s an engaging, effervescent original whose story unfolds with humor and insight, probing weighty issues with a light touch.”
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Kirkus Reviews
Persuasion Power™ is not enough to get Cleo Edison Oliver out of having to clean her room or do her homework… or even guarantee her little brother will behave at the sleepover she’s planning. But when the glamorous, powerful businesswoman Fortune A. Davies announces a new website where “kidpreneurs” can upload ads for their businesses, Cleo knows she can persuade her idol to endorse her latest enterprise! How hard could making a commercial be?
Pretty hard, it turns out, when your friends don’t appreciate your directing style. Even more complicated is the sudden appearance of one of her birth parents, who she’s thought about so much. Fortunately, a little complication never stopped Cleo Edison Oliver. And it won’t stop her now! You can count on it.
"My latest business, Cleo's Quick and Painless Tooth Removal Service, had several satisfied customers… Some unfortunate decisions on my part forced us to have to close down (for now). However, I learned some very valuable lessons from this experience… One thing I learned is that I need to be more careful about how I use my POWERS of PERSUASION. I've got a lot of these powers, but according to my mom, there's a fine line between persuasion and being pushy. Sometimes I don't know my own strength."
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Cleopatra Edison Oliver, in a letter to her entrepreneur idol,
Fortune A. Davies
“Frazier expertly demonstrates that even the most loving adoption comes with some heartache. Reluctant readers will enjoy the accessible language and even pacing. VERDICT: An excellent choice for those seeking upbeat books about cross-cultural adoption.””
School Library Journal
“In her latest business venture (creating personalized barrettes), the pint-size entrepreneur harnesses the power of social networking, fifth-grade style… An opportunity to connect with her birth family feels thrilling—scary, too. No worries—courage is Cleo’s strong suit. Frazier sensitively addresses these potential land mines with intelligence and sensitivity. Cleo’s an engaging, effervescent original whose story unfolds with humor and insight, probing weighty issues with a light touch.”
Kirkus Reviews
“This energetic, realistic story focuses on family, school, church, and friends in a diverse community. Cleo herself is a bundle of go-getter enthusiasm; her winning spirit shines, no matter how many mistakes she makes.”
Booklist