Billionaire Boy

While Joe Spud’s life seems enviable from the outside, he is deeply lonely. Splitting his time between Bumfresh Towers, a mansion so big he has not even seen all of it, and St. Cuthbert’s School, where he is bullied for his weight and “new money” family, Joe has little meaningful human connection in his life. By finally making a real friend in Bob, Joe learns the value of genuine friendship.

At the beginning of the story, despite his riches, Joe realizes that he would be more fulfilled if he had a friend. His father lets Joe change schools, and his wish comes true: Joe immediately connects with Bob when they meet. He appreciates that Bob is unconcerned with Joe’s vast fortune. Bob kindly tells Joe, “I don’t care about your money. I just liked hanging out with you today” (75). However, due to his father’s example and his years of isolation, Joe is unsure of how to behave as a friend. Even though he is a kind and caring person, he sometimes struggles with social skills and how to relate emotionally to others. For instance, when Bob reveals that his dad passed away, Joe becomes anxious: “All Joe could hear was the sound of his own heart beating.