A Kid's Guide to Earning Money

November 1, 2008
Gr 4-6-Striving to provide practical suggestions on managing money, each book begins and ends with a fictional account in which students embark on a relevant unit. Between that unfortunate framing are practical, well-written descriptions. Orr keeps in mind childrens interests and limitations, stressing, for example, parental involvement where important, such as in setting up bank accounts and getting jobs. "Earning Money" and "Coins" should generate the most demand. The former is realistic about the trade-offs involved in a child working and offers alternatives to true jobs (raking leaves, running errands), while the second includes a concise history of money in its introduction to collecting coins and currency. For readers with long term interests, the rest of the series will be useful. "Savings" explores banking and clearly explains compound interest; "Stock Market" describes in basic terms how the markets work and suggests activities to learn more before investing; and "Budgeting" demonstrates how planning can lead to significant financial gains. Stock photos feature multigenerational and diverse subjects and illustrate related locations and historical figures, while graphs and sidebars enhance the texts. Well-documented and informative introductions."By Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2008
Grades 3-6 For grade-schoolers who want to start earning some cash, this chatty, interactive guide offers practical suggestions for finding jobs, from babysitting and dogwalking to delivering newspapers. Part of the Money Matters: A Kids Guide to Money series, the book begins with a fictionalized fifth-grade class making plans to earn money for a museum trip. Beyond that scenario, readers will appreciate the practical suggestions about working, including making a chart of available free time and weighing benefits beyond simply making money (such as meeting new people and trying out future jobpossibilities). Also includedis useful advice on setting price points, how to cut costs, and what the labor laws allow for kids under 18, as well as a frank view of the negatives associated with the working world.Throughout, cheerful words and color photos show comfortable families interacting together, and stress is laid on the importance of getting parental permission before setting out on the trail to riches.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)