Billionaire Boy

“‘Bottom Billionaire, The Bum-Wipe Heir, Master Plop-Paper,’ continued Joe. ‘And that’s just the teachers.’ Most of the boys at Joe’s school were Princes, or at least Dukes or Earls. Their families had made their fortunes from owning lots of land. That made them ‘old money.’ Joe had quickly come to learn that money was only worth having if it was old. New money from selling loo rolls didn’t count.”

Joe explains to his dad how he is mercilessly bullied at his expensive and snobby private school. By describing Joe’s pain in a funny way, the passage introduces the theme of Confronting Social Inequality Through Humor. This theme explores elitist prejudices and how they have prevented Joe from making a single friend at his school.

“He’d had enough of being laughed at when he was at St. Cuthbert’s. However, the stitch was becoming more and more painful with every step. It was as if it was burning a hole in his side. ‘How about I give you a fiver to come last?’ he said.”

Joe is desperate to not come last in the cross-country race on his first day at his new school. By bribing Bob to slow down and come in last instead, Joe shows that he is still accustomed to solving all his problems with his money. This passage shows Joe’s reliance on his wealth and emphasizes his desperation to earn the respect of his peers and make friends.

“Joe felt really sorry for Bob. Since he was eight, Joe had never had to do anything at home—there was always the butler or the maid or gardener or the chauffeur or whoever to do everything. He took the note out of his pocket. If there was one person who needed the money more than him, it was Bob.”

This passage shows Joe’s emotional maturity by highlighting his empathy for Bob. However, it also shows that the only way Joe knows how to build relationships is through giving or receiving money. This quotation provides context for Joe’s decisions when he tries to solve people’s problems—including his own—using money.

“‘I’m sorry,’ stammered Joe, ‘I just wanted to be normal. And it’s so embarrassing being the son of a bog-roll billionaire.’ ‘No no no you should be proud of your dad!’ exclaimed Raj. ‘His story is an inspiration to all of us. A humble man who became a billionaire with one simple idea!’”

Joe admits to Bob that he tried to hide his real identity, but Raj tries to change his perspective on his dad’s fortune. This passage shows that Joe knows that his wealth can be a barrier to making real connections, highlighting the novel’s theme of Material Riches Versus Social Wealth.

“He smiled. He felt bad about paying Bob to come last in the race. Now he could make up for it. If his plan worked, he and Bob were going to be more than just friends. They’d be best friends.”

Joe begins to plan to bribe the Grubb twins to stop bullying Bob. This scene shows that Joe really values Bob as a friend and wants to make his life a bit easier, adding to the novel’s theme on The Value of Genuine Friendship. It also provides a window into Joe’s inner thoughts and reveals the good intentions behind his plans.

“‘Is there any chance I could have it without the sock cheese?’ pleaded Joe. Bob looked hopefully at Mrs. Trafe. ‘I could sprinkle on some earwax shavings if you prefer? Or a showering of dandruff?’ offered Mrs. Trafe with a smile.”

Mrs. Trafe’s awful cooking adds humor to Joe’s adventures at his new school. This funny passage draws attention to the big differences between Joe’s life of luxury at home and the poor conditions of his public school, adding to the novel’s theme on Confronting Social Inequality With Humor.

“Miss Spite stalked the classroom like a Tyrannosaurus Rex deciding which little creature it was going to eat first.”

Joe lives in fear of Miss Spite, his intimidating history teacher. His eagerness to avoid her punishment sets him up to fail at his bigger goal of hiding his wealth from his classmates. This simile, comparing Miss Spite to a “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” both captures Joe’s anxiety while also making light of the situation.

“All the other kids stared at Joe Spud. They hadn’t paid much attention to this short fat new boy before. Now it turned out his Dad had a helicopter. A real-life helicopter. Wow!”

Joe’s secret comes out when his father helicopters in with Joe’s forgotten homework. By showing the children’s amazement at Joe’s incredible lifestyle, the novel addresses its theme on Confronting Social Inequality Through Humor and suggests that Joe’s days of flying under the radar at his new public school are over.

“All the time he talked, the other kids continued to stare through the windows at him like he was an animal in the zoo. ‘I am so sorry Joe,’ said Mrs. Trafe. ‘It must be awful for you…I just need ten thousand quid for a hip replacement.’”

Joe shares his sadness and social isolation with Mrs. Trafe while his classmates look on. While at first Mrs. Trafe lends a sympathetic ear, she soon acts just like his classmates and asks Joe for money. This passage shows how Joe’s social life has been corrupted by people’s jealousy about his wealth. At this point, Joe isn’t convinced he can have a real friendship that isn’t based on his money. By describing Joe’s problems with people, the passage adds to the theme of Material Riches Versus Social Wealth.

“Bob shook his head. ‘I can’t believe you!’ You’re such a…such a…spoiled brat!’ ‘What?’ said Joe. ‘I was just helping you out! Would you really rather be put in the bin and have your chocolate stolen?’ ‘Yes!’ shouted Bob. ‘Yes, I would! I’ll fight my own battles, thank you!’”

Bob is offended when Joe bribes the Grubbs to not bully him, but Joe struggles to understand why. This passage shows how Joe takes after his father, Mr. Spud, as he always expects that his money can solve his problems. This passage also emphasizes that Joe’s money doesn’t make his social skills any better, adding to the story’s theme of Material Riches Versus Social Wealth.

“He sat on the edge of his bed and cradled himself in his arms. It was a long, long time since anyone had hugged him, so he hugged himself. He squeezed his own sobbing plumpness. He was beginning to wish that Dad had never invented ‘Bumfresh’ and they were all living in the council flat with Mum.”

Joe feels alone and misunderstood, a problem made worse when his father gets mad at him for criticizing his materialistic and demanding girlfriend, Sapphire. This passage uses third-person limited point of view to show Joe’s loneliness and isolation, as well as his mature perspective on his family’s wealth, which he feels has created problems in their relationships. Joe’s resentment of his wealth and desire for connection adds to the story’s commentary on Material Riches Versus Social Wealth.

“‘No no no, he’s not my friend,’ replied Joe. ‘Bob’s his name, but he’s so fat everyone calls him Blob!’ Lauren laughed again. Joe felt a tiny bit sick but he was so pleased to be making the pretty new girl laugh that he pushed the feeling all the way down inside him.”

Joe is so eager to impress Lauren, the new girl in his class, that he betrays his only friend—and his own values. This passage shows how hard Joe tries to stifle his guilt about making fun of him. In the moment, winning Lauren’s approval by making her laugh at Bob’s expense gives Joe the social acceptance he craves. However, he quickly realizes it comes at too high a price.

“The Grubb twins had been hanging around by the swings aching for someone to tell them off. Unfortunately for them, the police, the park-keeper and the local vicar were all otherwise engaged. So when one of them spotted Joe they bounced over grinning, no doubt hoping to relieve their boredom by making someone else’s life a misery for a bit.”

The story’s villains, the Grubb twins, have dedicated their lives to tormenting weaker kids like Bob and Joe. This description adds to the story’s theme of Confronting Social Inequality Through Humor as the author’s description of the Grubb twins’ cruel behavior is laced with humor.

“Joe couldn’t remember the last time he had enjoyed such a simple pleasure. It must have been when he was really, really little. Before the Bumfresh billions came and changed everything.”

Joe enjoys sitting outside and eating fish and chips with his new friend, Lauren. His appreciation of this everyday pleasure reminds him of how overly complicated his life became when his father made his fortune. Joe’s recognition of how the “Bumfresh billions” ruined his ability to enjoy simple things with friends adds to the story’s theme of Material Riches Versus Social Wealth.

“‘I thought that’s what you wanted? You said you couldn’t stand her.’ ‘Yes, but…’ Joe hesitated for a moment. ‘I just feel a bit, you know, sorry for her.’ Lauren pulled a dismissive face.”

Lauren and Joe discuss the mysterious firing of the history teacher, Miss Spite. While Lauren does not care at all, Joe feels compassion for the woman, even though she was very strict. By showing Joe’s concern, the passage foreshadows his discovery of the real reason Miss Spite was fired.

“‘You’re just jealous because Lauren likes me, and you’re a fatty with no friends at all.’ ‘I’m not jealous, I’m just worried for you, Joe. I don’t want you to get hurt.’ ‘Yeah?’ said Joe. ‘You sounded really worried about me when you called me a spoiled brat.’”

Bob warns Joe that Lauren might be an actress only pretending to like him, but Joe stubbornly denies that this could be the case. In this passage, their old hurts come up, as Bob tries to offer his old friend some advice. Joe’s desperation for a relationship with Lauren leads him to ignore Bob’s concern for his well-being, adding to the story’s commentary on The Value of Genuine Friendship.

“‘There is something very strange going on,’ said Joe to Lauren. ‘The Witch gets the sack, the headmaster gets a £250,000 motorbike…’ ‘Joe, you’re being silly! It’s just coincidence!’ laughed Lauren. ‘Now, am I still invited for dinner tonight?’ she added, rapidly changing the subject.”

As Joe observes the odd developments at his school, he begins to think that something is going on behind the scenes. Lauren’s quick denial of Joe’s suspicions foreshadows that she is part of Mr. Spud’s campaign to buy Joe’s happiness at school. Her false friendship to Joe underlines the story’s theme of The Value of Genuine Friendships.

“‘But it’s the most expensive motorbike in the world. It costs a quarter of a million pounds. He’s a teacher not a footballer, how could he afford it?!’ proclaimed Joe.”

This passage highlights Joe’s dawning awareness as he puts the clues together about his father’s unethical involvement in the school. Mr. Spud’s habit of bribing people, such as Mr. Dust, in ridiculous ways adds to the story’s theme on Confronting Social Inequality Through Humor.

“‘Why did you lie to me?’ Joe stammered. ‘Just forget it Joe,’ said Lauren. She suddenly seemed a different person. Her voice was more posh now, and her face less kind. The twinkle in her eye had definitely gone, and the glow around her had turned into a shadow. ‘You don’t want to know.’”

Joe is shocked when Lauren hints that his father hired her to be Joe’s friend. This betrayal reinforces the novel’s theme of The Value of Genuine Friendships, as Joe realizes that he never knew the real Lauren and could not count on her friendship without his dad’s money.

“Then he looked at his shelf at all his expensive toys and gadgets. His eyes were drawn to the little loo-roll rocket that his dad had given him when he still worked at the factory. He remembered it was a present for his eighth birthday. His mum and dad were still together then and Joe thought it might have been the last time he was truly happy.”

Joe treasures the little homemade rocket his dad once crafted for him out of toilet paper rolls. His fond memories of that time in his life show that while his dad’s fortune brought him fun new things, it also fractured his family and left him lonelier than before. By contrasting Joe’s expensive but meaningless toys with the cheap but heartfelt craft, the passage adds to the story’s theme of Material Riches Versus Social Wealth.

“‘I understand your pain, Joe, I really can,’ ventured Raj. ‘I know from what you said that you really liked that girl, but I guess your dad was, well…just trying to make you happy. ‘It’s all that money,’ said Joe, barely audible through the tears. ‘It’s ruined everything. I even lost my only friend over it.’”

Raj comforts Joe as he reveals Lauren’s fake friendship. Joe’s awareness of how his father’s fortune has negatively influenced his parenting decisions shows that he has begun to value real friendships, like what he had with Bob, more than his luxury lifestyle. This conversation is a turning point in Joe’s attitude toward wealth and friendship: He gives up on wealth as a path to happiness and commits to repairing his relationships. This ends the novel’s debate over the value of Material Riches Versus Social Wealth.

“It doesn’t sound as though what you did to Bob is so different to what your father did to you […] You have to realise money can’t solve everything, Joe.”

In a continuation of the previous passage, Raj observes how Joe is unconsciously acting out his father’s approach to problem solving, even though he himself does not appreciate it. By realizing that money cannot solve everyone’s problems, Joe learns that he must make amends with Bob and begin their friendship again—without offering him money or buying off his bullies. Joe’s realization helps to motivate him to regain Bob’s trust and friendship, adding to the story’s theme of The Value of Genuine Friends.

“‘A true friend would have stuck up for me. Supported me. Instead of just flashing their money around to make the problem go away.’ ‘I am an idiot, Bob. I know that now. A great big fat stinking idiot.’”

Bob explains that he would have preferred Joe’s emotional support instead of his secret payments to the Grubb twins, and Joe’s apology shows how much he wants to heal his rift with Bob. The boys’ resolved argument highlights The Value of Genuine Friends, as both want to restart their friendship as equals, regardless of their families’ money and status.