Educate Your Financial Future

Suggested Financial Education Book List

April’s Suggested Books

“One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent,” by Bonnie Worth

THE CAT IN the Hat puts to rest any notion that money grows on trees in this super simple look at numismatics, the study of money and its history. Beginning with the ancient practice of bartering, the Cat explains various forms of money used in different cultures, from shells, feathers, leather, and jade to metal ingots to coins (including the smallest—the BB-like Indian fanam—and the largest—the 8-foot-wide, ship-sinking limestone ones from the Islands of Yap!), to the current king of currency, paper. Also included is a look at banking, from the use of temples as the first banks to the concept of gaining or paying interest, and a step-by-step guide to minting coins. A fascinating introduction is bound to change young reader’s appreciation for change!

“A Dollar For Penny,” by Julie Glass

On a beautiful summer day a young girl sets up a lemonade stand and sells enough cups of refreshment to add up to a dollar.  Told in rhyme, this delightful story combines the teaching of addition with a traditional rite of childhood entrepreneurship! 

“The King’s Chessboard,” by David Birch

A great story for children learning mathematical concepts!

“The Go-Around Dollar,” by Barbara Johnston Adams

Ever wonder what happens to a dollar bill when you pay for something? It keeps moving on to the next person and the next until, in this case, it winds up somewhere really special. This nonfiction book tracks the complicated path of a single dollar bill and contains a wealth of information about the basics of America’s paper money.

“Bunny Money,” by Stephen Krensky

In this sweet story, four bunnies try to buy a hat for their mama. The hat costs $1.00… Do they have enough money? When they go to the store the little bunnies discover that by combining their quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, they’ll have what it takes to buy the hat! This book comes with 85 stickers and a fold-out play scene so little ones can spend their own “bunny money”! Both fun and timely, this sticker storybook is a perfect introduction for little ones who are learning about money and its values.

May’s Suggested Books

“Just Saving My Money,” by Mercer Mayer (pre-k – 3rd grade)
Little Critter wants to save money for a new skateboard but he soon learns it’s a lot harder than he thought to save money!
“Twenty-Two Cents,” by Paula Yoo (1st – 4th grade)
Story-driven book about how a small loan can save people from poverty.
“The Toothpaste Millionaire,” by Jean Merrill (5th-7th grade)
Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower doesn’t set out to become a millionaire. He just wants to save on toothpaste. Betting he can make a gallon of his own for the same price as one tube from the store, Rufus develops a step-by-step production plan with help from his good friend Kate MacKinstrey. 
“O.M.G.: Official Money Guide for Teenagers,” by Susan Beacham (4th-12th grade)

This concise but comprehensive book on personal finance is written specifically for teenagers and is full of valuable information collected from financial experts. Use it to get the money talk started with your teenager. Full of helpful, informative graphics and charts, the format of this book makes the subject matter easily accessible for teenagers. Includes essential tips to help teens avoid those “awkward money moments.” The information in this book will help young adults form good financial habits that will serve them well the rest of their lives. Authors: Award-winning author Susan P. Beacham and her husband, Michael L. Beacham, founders of Money Savvy Generation. Chapters: 1. Budgeting and Choices 2. Saving and Investing 3. Ways to Pay 4. Credit and Credit Cards 5. Identity Protection 6. Philanthropy 7. Insurance 48 Pages Ages 10-18 Copyright 2014 Money Savvy Generation, Inc.

“The Richest Kids in America: How They Earn It, How They Spend It, How You Can Too,” by Mark Hansen (5th-9th grade)
Get ready to meet some amazing entrepreneurial superstars who are living their dreams and making a big difference doing it. They’ve shared their stories to inspire you, teach you, and show you that your own opportunities are endless. How did they discover their passion? What were their first steps to building their business? Who supported them along the way? Why do they all choose to give back to their community? In this book you’ll learn the key principles that catapulted each of these incredible young entrepreneurs to success and how these same principles will lead you to a life of ultimate fulfillment.

June’s Suggested Books

“You Can’t Buy a Dinosaur with a Dime,” by Harriet Ziefert (Kindergarten through 3rd grade)
Pete saves his allowance, spends it on a dinosaur and then experiences some buyer’s remorse. After learning the importance of saving, Pete decides to start saving again!
“If You Made a Million,” by David M. Schwartz (3rd – 5th grade)
Have you ever wanted to make a million dollars? Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician is ready, willing, and able to explain the nuts and bolts — as well as the mystery and wonder — of earning money, investing it, accruing dividends and interest, and watching savings grow. Hey, you never know!
“The Everything Kids Book About Money,” by Brette Sember (2nd – 5th grades)
This book provides an in-depth narrative along with about 30 activities to help teach children about how money is made and used; investing and stocks; and bank accounts and credit cards.
“Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?” by Carey Sigel (High School & Beyond)

99 Personal Money Habits to live by.

“Growing Money – A Complete Investing Guide for Kids,” by Gail Karlitz (3rd – 7th grade)
This is a comprehensive look at economics, financing and investing in a fun and understandable way kids will enjoy.  

July’s Suggested Books

“Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock,” by Sheila Bair
When Rock and Brock’s grandfather agrees to match their dollar allowance each week if they save it, Rock can’t help but spend it on cool things while his twin Brock saves and ends up with $500 by the end of summer. When Rock sees how much money his brother saved he realizes he made a mistake.
“Do I Need It or Do I Want It? Making Budget Choices,” by Jennifer S. Larson
Offers an introduction to the concept of budgeting along with a discussion of wants versus needs.
“A Smart Girl’s Guide to Money,” by Nancy Holyoke & Sarah Hunt
This addition to the popular Smart Girls Guide format shows girls the ins and outs of money smarts. Quizzes, tips, and quotes from girls make learning about money, saving, and smart shopping fun. Includes a special section with 101 money-making ideas.
“The Story of Money,” by Betsy Maestro

Explore the many forms money has taken around the world and through history, from doubloons of ages past to contemporary credit cards.

“The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money,” by Carl Richards
Through his simple sketches, Carl makes complex financial concepts easy to understand.

August’s Suggested Books

“Curious George Saves His Pennies,” by Margaret & H.A. Rey
An introduction to the value of saving money finds the intrepid little monkey diligently saving his funds for a shiny red train at the toy store and considering hard choices when his piggy bank goes missing.
“Lily Learns About Wants and Needs,” by Lisa Bullard
Lily has a long list of things she wants to buy but as she drives through town with her dad she learns that wants and needs are two very different things.
“The Squirrel Manifesto,” by Ric Edelman
A modern-day fable in the spirit of The Ant and the Grasshopper that teaches kids—and their parents—the value of spending money, saving for the future, and giving to charity.
“National Geographic: Everything Money,” by Kathy Furgang

This is a fun read with tons of pictures that teaches children fun facts about money. This book is organized into 4 main parts: the history of money; making, spending and saving money; a section called “The Power of Money” and one called “Fun With Money”.

“Kids Can Make Money Too! How Young People Can Succeed Financially,” by Vada Lee Jones
For families and kids. Recommended by “Boy’s Life,” Boy Scouts of America. Winner of the Benjamin Franklin Award. Kids Can Make Money Too! Shows how to earn, save and manage money, open & use a checking account, start a small business, set goals, recognize success, make money while you sleep, get paid twice, avoid expensive mistakes, & have fun without spending money. Encourages kids to avoid costly, addictive habits.

September’s Suggested Books

“Money Madness,” by David A. Adler
This is a great starting point for introducing the concept of currency and explains how our current monetary system works.
“Making Cents,” by Keeler Robinson
This is a kid-friendly introduction to U.S. currency with facts about money as well as lessons on counting money.
“Neale S. Godfrey’s Ultimate Kids’ Money Book,” by Neale S. Godfrey
This author knows about money and kids. She’s not only a mother and a grandmother, but she was one of the first female executives at Chase Bank. Godfrey has compiled practically everything about finance in one kid-friendly comprehensive guide. Charts, illustrations, photographs, and bite-sized facts and sidebars make it easy to use and fun to read. A great resource for parents who aren’t sure where to start when explaining things like credit cards, savings accounts, banks, the Federal Reserve and practically any topic regarding the money you can think up.
“Follow the Money,” by Loreen Leedy

Your child will love reading the story of a quarter after it is minted! This book illustrates how money is circulated through the economy. The page numbers are in coins and bills to reinforce counting money.

“My Rows and Piles of Coins,” by Tololwa Mollel
This is an inspiring story about saving money and setting goals.

October’s Suggested Books

“Arthur’s Funny Money,” by Lillian Hoban
Here’s a hilarious account of Arthur’s attempts to earn enough money to buy a T-shirt and cap, assisted by his sister, Violet. Simple business concepts are ingeniously woven into the story. This marvelous book will capture the interest of eager learners and creative teachers.
“Ox-Cart Man,” by Donald Hall
This is a kid friendly introduction on how commerce works in a market style setting. A great read for kids K – 4th.
“Sheep in a Shop,” by Nancy E. Shaw
The “lovable muttonheads” are off to the store in search of the perfect birthday gift in this latest in the sheep series of rhymed read-alouds. A good introduction to bartering and the use of money.
“Money Math: Addition and Subtraction,” by David A. Adler

In this fun introduction to American currency, a variety of past presidents introduce themselves and their denominations. You’ll learn who’s on each coin and bill and what they’re worth — plus how many of one it takes to add up to another! 

“The Survival Guide for Money Smarts: Earn, Save, Spend, Give,” by Eric Braun
This survival guide introduces the basics of financial literacy and money management for kids—from earning and saving money to spending and donating it—and gives readers essential skills for financial know-how.

November’s Suggested Books

“Those Shoes,” by Maribeth Boelts
Jeremy wants the pair of shoes many of his classmates have, but he can’t afford them. When he finally gets a pair of “those shoes,” he’s faced with a big decision.
“Not your Parent’s Money Book,” by Jean Chatzky
Geared to tweens and younger teens, this book explains how the economy works.
“My First Book of Money: Counting Coins,” by Kumon Publishing
This Kumon workbook uses learning about coins to strengthen math skills such as counting and addition. Review the numbers 1 to 100 and then practice math using coins from the penny to the quarter.
“How to turn 100 to 1,000,000,” by James McKenna

A great book for those in the junior high grade levels that teaches how to earn, invest and save.

“The Kids’ Money Book: Earning * Saving * Spending * Investing * Donating,” by Jamie Kyle McGillian
If the only thing your children know about money is how to spend it, it may be time to teach them a different lesson. Kids are never too young to learn how to create a budget, use their talents to make big bucks, invest their earnings and donate to charity.

December’s Suggested Books

“Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money,” by Emily Jenkins
This lovely picture book tells the story of two young siblings who use all their money one winter day to buy supplies and open a lemonade stand. What happens afterward is a lesson in counting, spending and earning, and the risks and rewards that come with starting a business. The book’s last page show backs and fronts of coins and explains how much each one is worth.
“Max Makes a Million,” by Maira Kalman
Max’s dream is to live in Paris and be a poet. But do you think it is easy for a dog to pack a small brown suitcase, put on a beret, and hop on a plane? Ha! No one will buy Max’s poems, so without money he must stay put. But living in New York City isn’t so bad. Where else could he have friends like Bruno, with his invisible paintings, or Marcello, who builds upside down houses? And where else could he drop in at Baby Henry’s Candy Shop? It’s all possible in New York, a jumping jazzy city. And for Max, it’s a dog’s life that only Maira Kalman could invent.
“Once Upon a Dime,” by Nancy Kelly Allen
For organic farmer Truman Worth, money does grow on trees. Readers calculate the changing value of his crop.
“What All Kids Should Know About Saving and Investing,” by Rob Pivnick

This comprehensive guide takes young readers through a range of financial topics, from the importance of saving to portfolio diversification.

“The Money Savvy Student,” by Adam Carroll
This book empowers readers to get ahead of their expenses through savvy money management.

January’s Suggested Books

“Alexander Who Used To Be Rich,” by Judith Viorst
This lovely book tells the story of Alexander, who, if he wouldn’t spend all his money, would be rich.
“Isabel’s Car Wash,” by Sheila Bair
Isabel really wants to buy a new doll but first she needs to make some money. She decides to start a car wash but quickly learns she needs to spend money on supplies too! This book teaches the simple concept of investment and starting a business in an easy to understand and fun way!
Pretty Penny Cleans Up,” by Devon Kinch
One of four Pretty Penny titles by author/illustrator Devon Kinch that wraps money lessons into an entertaining story. When young Emma spends all her allowance and doesn’t have any money left to go to a concert, her entrepreneurial friend, Penny, comes up with an idea (La Perfect Pup Salon) to raise funds for the concert – and for charity, too. This book offers many good lessons about friendship, charitable giving and why it feels good to earn money to spend and share with a friend.
“Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 535 Easy(ish) Steps,” by Kelly Brown

Personal finance isn’t just about banking and retirement accounts. It has a lot to do with what apartment you find, how you handle your first job, and where you find your most valuable friends. Brown keeps a sense of humor while giving great advice to those who aren’t quite ready to handle the whole adulting thing yet.

“The Young Entrepreneur’s Guide to Starting and Running a Business,” by Steve Mariotti
Geared towards high school students, this 1996 classic has been updated to include advice on Internet marketing, social networking, and apps to track your carbon footprint. While marketed to young people, it covers business plans and other topics in enough detail to be appropriate for budding entrepreneurs of any age.

February’s Suggested Books

“Just Shopping with Mom,” by Mercer Mayer
An easy read for beginners.
“A Chair for Mother,” by Vera Williams
A Caldecott Honor award winner, this beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a young girl, her waitress mother and her grandmother who lose everything in a fire. When they move into a new home, the daughter and grandmother save coins (by budgeting food money, among other ways) in a jar in the hope of one day buying a comfortable chair for the girl’s hardworking mother. Themes include saving, budgeting and working together to give someone a gift.
“Why Money Was Invented,” by Neale S. Godfrey
Good book about the history of money.
“The Penny Pot,” by Stuart Murphy

Life-size coins and a cat named Chester will soon have readers confidently counting coins along with Jessie and her friends at the face-painting booth. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8. It’s a fun way to learn to read and has a supplement for activities for children.

“How to Manage Your Money When You Don’t Have Any,” By Erik Wecks
Graduating from school doesn’t guarantee you a well-paying job. More than likely, you’ll just scrape by for the first few years. Author Erik Wecks understands this and wants to help you figure out how to find happiness and security with however much you may make.

Suggested Books for March

“Trouble with Money,” by Stan and Jan Berenstain
A classic Berenstain Bears story teaching the importance of being responsible with money.
“Paddy’s Payday,” by Alexandra Day
On his day off from the circus, Paddy, a performing Irish terrier, spends a delightful day in a country town.
“A Bargain for Frances,” by Russell Hoban
Thelma always seems to get Frances into trouble. When she tricks Frances into buying her tea set, it’s the last straw. Can Frances show her that it’s better to lose a bargain than lose a friend?
“How the MoonJar was Made,” by Eulalie Scandiuzzi

In this delightful story, you’ll meet Noom & Raj (that’s Moon & Jar backwards!) who strike up a friendship and need to figure out how to allocate their collections. Join them as they have fun finding out all about saving, spending & sharing.

“Start Saving, Henry!” by Nancy Carlson
Henry is finally old enough to get an allowance, but when he finds something he really wants, he discovers that saving money can be more difficult – and more rewarding – than he ever imagined.