A Middle-Grade Novel
Mia's $100 Project
by Anakh Sawhney
One choice. One hundred dollars. A future waiting to be built.
Twelve-year-old Mia Miller wins $100 at the science fair. She could buy the sneakers everyone else is wearing — or follow her grandfather's advice and plant it like seed corn. An inspiring story of grit, friendship, and financial literacy.
About the Book
Perfect for fans of The Lemonade War and Frindle
Twelve-year-old Mia Miller's left sneaker is held together by gray duct tape. Every step she takes in the school hallway makes a snapping sound — a constant reminder of everything her family cannot afford. When she wins the $100 Grand Prize at the science fair, Mia thinks she finally has a way out of the "Velcro Girl" nickname.
But $100 comes with a choice that feels impossible. She could buy the Sky-High sneakers that every kid at school is wearing — the literal ticket to finally fitting in. Or she could follow her grandfather's mysterious advice: do not spend the money. Plant it like seed corn.
Choosing grit over trends, Mia transforms her kitchen table into a startup headquarters for custom backpack tags. She quickly learns that being a boss is harder than any science project. And then there is Jason — a wealthy classmate with a brand-new 3D printer and a plan to put Mia out of business for good.
Can a girl with a hundred dollars and a handful of leather scraps outsmart a rival who has every advantage?
What Kids Will Learn
STEM-based financial literacy woven into an inspiring story
About the Author
Anakh Sawhney
Student · Author · Nonprofit Leader
Anakh Sawhney is a student, author, and nonprofit and business leader passionate about empowering kids with essential tools and resources for sustainable growth. Currently a Junior at Bernards High School in New Jersey, Anakh's work has earned her local and international recognition, including her inclusion on the NJBiz Forty Under 40 and the Top 100 Indian Americans 2025 list.
She authored Mia's $100 Project out of a conviction that while financial literacy is an essential life skill, it is rarely taught in a structured or meaningful way. Through her global nonprofit work and entrepreneurial initiatives, she continues to develop resources that help individuals build their own ladders toward financial independence and enduring stability.
Reading Guide
15 Discussion Questions
For teachers, parents, and book clubs — spark deeper dialogue about money, grit, and character. Click any question to expand.
Get Your Copy
Available in paperback and eBook — coming May 2026
ISBN: 979-8-9949733-0-1 (Paperback) · 979-8-9949733-1-8 (eBook)
Published by Headway North · First Edition