Whitney’s Fortune | Onne Vegter | Voices in Africa

“It will never work, Whitney. I think you’re getting overexcited and carried away with crazy ideas.”
“Oh, Lindiwe, don’t be such a drag. Why do you always have to burst my bubble?” Whitney asked, pretending to be offended.
“Because that’s what it is, Whitney. A bubble. Your dreamy soap bubble. It’s gonna pop anyway — so I might as well burst it for you.”

When Whitney’s mother loses her job and the family struggles to survive, fifteen-year-old Whitney decides to do something. She comes up with a business idea that is much too big for a Grade 9 girl — and her best friend Lindiwe is adamant that it will not work.

Can Whitney make it work in the face of overwhelming odds? Can she rise above poverty and difficult circumstances to make a success of her business? Will she overcome the many challenges that seem to block her way?

Whitney learns what it means to be an entrepreneur — but when a nasty competitor tries to shut her down and bully her out of business, all of her hard work is threatened. Her business, her future, and her fortune hang in the balance. Will she succeed and make the fortune she has dreamed of?

The third book in the Whitney series, Whitney’s Fortune is a moving story of success in the face of poverty and adversity — an inspiring tale that will encourage young people to take initiative, rise above their circumstances, and believe in a brighter future.

Key Themes

• Entrepreneurship and initiative — Whitney’s journey from a bold idea to a real business, and everything she learns about what it takes to be an entrepreneur
• Resilience and perseverance — the courage to keep going in the face of poverty, adversity, and a competitor determined to shut her down
• Poverty and opportunity — a powerful and hopeful exploration of how young people can rise above difficult circumstances and create their own opportunities
• Friendship and belief — the complex dynamic between Whitney and Lindiwe, and the importance of having people who believe in you — even when they doubt your ideas
• Bullying and competition — the reality of unfair competition and bullying in business, and how Whitney finds the strength to stand her ground

Educational Use

Whitney’s Fortune is a valuable classroom resource for Life Orientation, English, and Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at secondary school level. Teachers can use the novel to encourage discussions about entrepreneurship and help teenagers see the many opportunities that lie before them — both at school and after school. Whitney’s inspiring story is ideal for lessons on financial literacy, goal-setting, resilience, and the value of hard work.

Author: Onne Vegter
Publisher: Voices in Africa
Series: The Whitney Series – Book 3
Format: Print
Suitable for: Secondary school learners (Life Orientation, English, EMS)
ISBN: 9781920571283