Working for Myself

This high-interest, low-vocabulary novella is intended for adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) readers. "Don't have a job, don't want a job." That's what Wayne tells people when they ask what kind of work he does. But job or no job, Wayne finds himself busy doing "odd jobs" for neighbors and friends. And around the house, where he lives with his mom. When his mom dies, he is left to fend for himself. With help from a few special people in his life, and a little luck, "go-getter" Wayne does better than he ever thought possible. As time goes on, he discovers a confidence and a sense of self-worth that surprises even him.

This high-interest, low-vocabulary novella is intended for adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) readers. As she looks down at her baby, a tear runs down Valerie's cheek. "How can I possibly leave you?" she whispers. Valerie's time at home with baby Jarrod is almost up. She must return to work. But Valerie finds a way to stay home with Jarrod-and make money. She will run day care in her home. Valerie's husband, James, has his doubts. It's such a big change. They agree Valerie will run the day care for two years, then return to work. As the two-year mark closes in, a big surprise hands Valerie the best change of all!

This high-interest, low-vocabulary novella is intended for adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) readers. That is just like Ethan. Sights along the way catch his eye. His mind goes somewhere else. Ashley is the one who always finds the way to where they are going. Ethan is an artist. His girlfriend, Ashley, has a head for business. Together they start selling Ethan's handmade jewelry and crafts. But things take off in ways they did not imagine. With Ethan's full-time job, plus handling the whole operation and a new baby, the couple begins to wonder: Are they running the business or is it running them? Ethan and Ashley soon face a hard decision.

This high-interest, low-vocabulary novella is intended for adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) readers. "Mom, is that all you think about? What someone's house looks like?" Nick asks. It isn't all that Maggie thinks about, but she does take pride in how her home looks. When her son Nick suggests she take a job cleaning other people's houses, Maggie gives it a try. Before she knows it, she has her own business going, with her best friend Liz as her partner. It's a perfect match. Maggie loves cleaning and Liz has a head for business. But what happens when business partners don't agree? Maggie and Liz are both about to find out.

This high-interest, low-vocabulary novella is intended for adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) readers. Alex just lost his job at the plant. His unemployment checks won't last forever. He owns only one thing of value-his pickup truck. That's when the idea comes to him. He can start a hauling business! The business turns out to be full of surprises and takes many twists and turns. Alex doesn't give up. In time, he earns a steady income. He gets closer with his son. And he falls in love. Then he gets a phone call. After all his hard work, he must decide whether to keep his business or let it go.

This high-interest, low-vocabulary novella is intended for adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) readers. If only she had stayed in school. If only she hadn't had a baby when she was so young. If only she had taken cosmetology classes back when she had the chance. If only, if only, if only. Jackie does not want to spend the rest of her life crying over what might have been. "You have a flair for hair," Taria tells her one day, after Jackie styles her hair for the prom. Jackie starts dreaming again about what could be. Then she gets to work on changing her life. Could she own a beauty salon one day?

This high-interest, low-vocabulary novella is intended for adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) readers. "You like lawns. Fine. But think, Tony." Tony is not one to rush into things. He likes to think things over. Now Tio, his great-uncle, pushes Tony to think about how to keep his new business going. Making money from lawn care has been hard work, yet fun. But now what? With summer gone and winter just around the corner, who's going to need lawn care? How can he make a living? Tio reminds Tony there's more to life than lawn care and making money. Tony finds out just how true that is.

This high-interest, low-vocabulary novella is intended for adult basic education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) readers. "Pet sitting would be good work for you," Ginny's friend Eva tells her. Ginny really is cut out to be a pet sitter. After the death of her dog, Rocky, she can't bear the thought of getting another dog. But then Ginny takes care of Eva's dog for a week and realizes something important-she not only loved Rocky, she loves all animals. And animals love her. So she starts a pet-sitting business. Funny and not-so-funny things happen along the way. And she learns that loving animals is not always enough to make a business work.