Kids Money Savvy Books

It's not always easy to teach kids money "savvy" skills because most of us grown ups don't understand everything. That shouldn't stop us from laying the foundation of spending AND saving. I have hand selected these books to enforce ideas surrounding all things money. If you know any adults that still don't get it, maybe you should recommend some of these books to them.

Lunch Money by Andrew Clements is the perfect book to introduce your 9 - 12 year olds to the entreprenuerial spirit. Not only does the main character create a new business to make money, but he also learns about business competition, teamwork, community, and becoming an agent for change. While his intentions at the beginning are purely entrepreneurial, his outlook on money transforms to the philanthropic as he fights for his rights.

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen tells the story of a 12 year old boy that receives an unexpected birthday gift from his grandmother: his grandfather's old lawn mower. Initially unsure what to do with the contraption, he soons realizes that he can earn money mowing neighbors' lawns. Not only does he learn to make money, he also learns the value of bartering, and the importance of investing. Appropriate for ages 9 -12.

A Smart Girl's Guide to Money: How to Make It, Save It, and Spend It by Nancy Holyoke is another hit published by American Girl. Since most kids money savvy books use boys as the main character, I thought it would be appropriate to list a book written just for girls. This book is an introduction to managing money and offers common sense about making, spending, saving, and giving. It includes quizzes, tips, and money making ideas. It is appropriate for ages 9 - 12.

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich, Last Sunday by Judith Viorst. A kid and his money are soon parted. In this story, Alexander was rich when his grandparents gave him a dollar. The money disappeared quickly as he soon discovered all of the things that could be done with a dollar. A great book for teaching 4 - 8 year olds the value of a dollar.

Money Troubles (Little Bill Books for Beginning Readers) by Bill Cosby. While trying to raise enough money for a telescope, Little Bill makes a discovery about generosity and the needs of others. He soon discovers that there are more important things to do with money besides becoming famous. Ages 4 - 8.

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