My Dad Never Had a Paper Route

Christy Conte is a member of the Parents Advisory Committee at the
YMCA’s Parent and Child Enrichment Centre and a journalist.

This short book tells a true story, written by 10-year-old Julie Graham
and her father. While her father was away working, Julie got a paper
route. When the elder Graham returned, he was surprised by his
daughter’s wisdom and competence as a paper carrier. Julie and her dad
spent most of a summer writing My Dad Never Had a Paper Route as an
orientation and training tool for paper carriers.

The story is narrated by Julie as she and her dad deliver the papers
one day. Julie explains how she got her route, the importance of
individualized customer service, and the administrative side of route
management. They talk about the advantages of having a route, including
the profits. In the end, Julie treats her dad at a local restaurant.

The Grahams highlight good, old-fashioned values: hard work,
politeness, responsibility, and teamwork. Artist Beverley Boomer’s
illustrations are bright, cheerful accompaniments to the text. Carriers
and carriers-to-be will find Julie’s story motivating. Anybody who has
ever had a paper route will appreciate this story, if for no other
reason than to confirm that the happy world of paper routes and ice
cream sundaes is more than just the figment of a nostalgic imagination.
Recommended.