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29 Money Books for Kids (by Age) to Build Financial Literacy

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Jump-start a money education with these money books for kids (by age) plus bonus money activities I'm giving you.

stack of colorful money books for kids, text overlay "the best money books to teach kids how to manage money"

Earlier this year I finished a big research project where I actually purchased and checked out dozens upon dozens of money books for kids from the library.

I read them all. Then I read many to my son.

Not every book made the cut for this article.

But for the ones that did? 

I included the following info to help you:

  • suggested age range
  • money lessons your child will learn
  • life lessons they’ll learn

I’ve also even included a bunch of *bonus money activity ideas* to use after reading specific books.

Let's get started with how to teach kids money management through finance books for kids.

Money Books for Kids by Age

Just a quick note that this is part of my money books series.

You can find the rest of my money book reviews, here:

Children's Stories about Money (Kids Under 5)

Looking for financial literacy books for elementary students and children? Keep reading!

1. Sheep in a Shop, Nancy Shaw

Ages: 2-3 years old

Stores are a great place to help with teaching kids about money.

And this is the perfect book to show your very young kiddo what the purpose of a store is: to go with money with something specific in mind that you want to buy. A group of sheep are on a mission to purchase a birthday gift.

Unfortunately, they don’t have enough in their piggy bank for what they want to buy.

So they learn to barter for it!

The Money Lesson(s): Sheep can’t count. Haha − just kidding. The real money lesson here is that things in stores are not free. Also, saving up to buy something is best…or else you might have to barter something like your own fur!

Life Lesson(s): It’s nice to both have fun while shopping, as well as to put some thought and energy into someone’s birthday.

Bonus Money Activity: For the next birthday-buying occasion in your household, walk your child through the process of buying a gift for someone. It doesn’t have to be from their money, or it could be − the point of this exercise is for them to be part of the money transaction. Set a budget for what they can spend on the gift, then brainstorm several ideas with them before heading to the store. Once you get to the store, walk them through the process. Let them choose from the shelf something close to one of the brainstormed ideas, as well as price-compare if there are similar items. Ask them if the item is under the agreed-upon budget. If not, look around for another item. Have them put the item up on the counter at the cashier, and if you’re ready for it, have them hand over the money. Walk them through accepting the change, getting a receipt, and picking up the bag.

2. The Missing Money Money Monsters, Okeoma Moronu-Schreiner

Ages: 3-6 years

If you're looking for a book that introduces some modern money concepts − like depositing money into an ATM machine (aka, the Money Monster) − then this might be perfect for you. 

boy in tie-dyed shirt holding The Missing Money Money Monsters book

Little Kai is a natural worrier, and one thing he starts to really worry about is the Chinese New Year money he had received and deposited into his bank account. 

Kai's parents talk him through how safe an ATM is, how an armored truck takes his money from there to the bank, and how he can check up on his money at any time using a banking app. 

3. Albert the Octopus Accountant, Lily Verlin

Ages: 3-5 years

If you're looking for an overall way to introduce lots of money concepts and open up money conversations with your preschooler, then definitely check this book out.

light blue book cover with orange cartoon octopus for Albert the Octopus Accountant

It briefly goes over things like:

  • Things in their life that cost money, like clothes, food, holiday gifts parents give them, etc.
  • Money is earned by working, and there are all different kinds of jobs
  • Different forms of money
  • Saving up for something

I love the illustrations in this book! Very vibrant. A great way to start connecting your preschooler's world with money.

4. Bunny Money, Rosemary Wells

Ages: 3-5 years

Bunnies Ruby and Max want to buy the perfect birthday gift for their grandmother: a beautiful music box with skating ballerinas. They’ve saved up their own money to do so, and head to the store for this one purpose.

However, things start happening, and temptations arise that cost them some of their money. Also, they didn’t research the cost of what they wanted ahead of time, so they didn’t have enough money to buy it to begin with.

They end up making a pretty bad spending decision − purchasing glow-in-the-dark vampire fangs that cost them their bus ride fare home. In the end, they spend their last $0.25 calling their grandmother to come and pick them up.

The Money Lesson(s): Researching what you want to buy before you head to the store is a good idea so that you can make sure you have enough money. There are almost always less expensive alternative options for when you can’t afford what you originally wanted. You need to prioritize your spending for needs first (bus far home), then wants (here are some needs vs. wants worksheets to help with this). Otherwise, you might get stuck somewhere!

Life Lesson(s): Your family will be there for you, just as you should be there for your family. And sometimes you’ll make mistakes! It happens. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you do.

Bonus Money Activity: Here's EconEdLink's money lesson completely based on this book. Have your child go through each item the bunnies spent their money on, and tell you whether it was a want or a need. Let them defend their answers before telling them your answer.

5. The Ant and the Grasshopper, Amy Lowry Poole

Ages: 4+ years

This is probably one of the oldest examples of parents figuring out how to teach kids about money through storytelling. This particular version of the classic Aesop fable offers a twist, where the ants consistently, and without hesitation, prepare for the winter months while the grasshopper focuses on games + entertainment in the Chinese Emperor’s Summer Palace.

The Money Lesson(s): Consistent, and sometimes hard, work pays off. Preparation for tough times to come − financially or otherwise − is a good idea.

Life Lesson(s): The ants may be super prepared for winter while the grasshopper is out in the cold, but there is something to be said for enjoying life more. The lesson here is somewhere along the lines of “work hard, but don’t forget to play hard. Play hard, but don’t forget to leave time for work.”

Bonus Money Activity: Relate this lesson to something in your own household that you do throughout the year in financial preparation. For example, when my sister worked for a school bus company she did not receive a paycheck during the summer months. So throughout the year, she would need to save extra each month to make up for having no paycheck for 2.5 months.

6. Paddy’s Payday, Alexandra Day

Ages: 3-8 years

Wondering how to teach kids about money? A great introduction to the most common way for money to get into a person’s hands is a good place to start. Paddy is an Irish Terrier who performs for a living. It’s his payday, and he’s got a long list of ways to spend his money.

The message that I don’t like in this book is to spend, spend, spend on your payday.

However, you could turn this around by opening a discussion about which of the things Paddy spends on are needs versus wants. Think: Boston Cream donuts, haircut, movie ticket, dinner at a restaurant, a bouquet of flowers (Paddy’s on track to be poor before his next payday!).

The Money Lesson(s): Payday means you have money to spend on both needs and wants. To truly get this lesson, you’d have to add that in, though, because Paddy seems to spend, spend, spend (without any remark on how he’s spending his paycheck away!).

Life Lesson(s): It’s important to play as well as work, not just one without the other. Paddy works for a living, so it’s nice to see him take some time off and enjoy himself.

Bonus Money Activity: Take a few minutes to discuss with your little one where you and/or your spouse work. Discuss some of the ways you use the money you get on payday to keep the household going.

7. Apple Farmer Annie, Monica Wellington

Ages: 3-7 years

I get exhausted just thinking back to my cow-milking, hay-making, and silo-filling days.

What I like about this book is that your child will start to get an idea of the process involved in farming and turning it into an end product − dipping their toes in entrepreneurship.

Annie, an orchard farmer, takes your child through (though in a really cursory way) picking apples, sorting them, producing sweet apple cider, applesauce, various baked goods, and then selling the most beautiful of all of them at the farmer’s market.

The Money Lesson(s): When you grow your own food, you can keep some for yourself to munch on (or bake really yummy things with), and then you can sell the excess and make some money. This is also a great opener for discussing with your child your own job and how it enables you to earn money.

Life Lesson(s): All throughout the book you can feel Annie’s enthusiasm for what she does. It’s nice to show kids that you can love what you do in life.

Bonus Money Activity: there are Annie’s recipes in the back. So you could extend the study by picking your own apples, sorting them, and then making a recipe together with your child. To add money flair to it, calculate the cost to create the recipe, and how much you could earn if you sold it for X amount of dollars.

8. Pigs Will Be Pigs, Amy Axelrod

Ages: 5-8 years

The Pigs Will Be Pigs series, including this book, has been designed around the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Thirteen Standards.

But that’s not the fun part about this book (nor did that sound fun, right?).

This pig family has eaten through all their groceries from the morning (yes, pigs will be pigs!), and they’re hungry for a snack.

The problem?

There’s only a dollar between the lot of them. So, they go about hunting for money in all kinds of peculiar places around their home. What I like is they don’t give the dollar denominations, but just the kinds of coins found, so that your child can do the math and add things up for themselves.

They are presented with a menu with prices, so your child gets a chance at the end to figure out what else they could have bought from that menu. A very interactive book (probably not best for bedtime, as you’ll want them to break out a pencil and piece of paper to work on a few things).

The Money Lesson(s): Use the resources you’ve got in your hands (such as finding change in your own home versus going to the bank to get money out). Also, your child will get a bit more comfy with adding up different coins and dollar denominations, and then trying to figure out what they can buy from it.

Life Lesson(s): Working together as a family means you’ll get to the goal that you want quicker. Plus it’s kinda fun!

Bonus Money Activity: At your family’s next restaurant visit, have your child choose something based on price. Give them a budget to work with, then ask them how many different combinations they can come up with from the menu and still stay under that budget.

9. Follow the Money, Loreen Leedy

Ages: 4-8 years

George is a newly minted quarter that gets used in a variety of ways. This book will give your child a great overview of money circulation + different ways that money can be used (like in a vending machine or as a donation).

The Money Lesson(s): There are a few calculations your kiddo is asked to make, such as how much change a customer should receive. This is also a great lesson in different ways money is used, and how far it can “travel”. It will answer the question of where money comes from, and what happens to it once it leaves their hands.

Bonus Money Activity: Have your child follow up reading this by going on a Virtual Money Field Trip to The U.S. Mint. This will show them where George the quarter came from!

10. Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday, Judith Viorst

Ages: 4-8 years

You remember Alexander, the kid who had that terrible, horrible, no-good day? Well, the poor guy can’t catch a break. Reading about his life is like watching the many trials and tribulations of Greg Focker in the movie Meet the Parents all over again (hmmm…I think I just figured out Alexander’s adult avatar?).

Can’t this poor kid have a GOOD day?

In this book, your child will see that Alexander used to be rich (and by rich, he means he used to have $1 his grandparents gave him) until he spent his money a bit foolishly. Honestly, what barely-out-of-a-car-seat-kid wouldn’t?

Great children's book about money management. 

The Money Lesson(s): There are always “opportunities” to buy things with your money. But sometimes, they’re not opportunities at all. Like a one-eyed teddy bear.

Life Lesson(s): Hmmm…maybe don’t make friends with this Alexander kid? Haha:). For real though, spending choices are your own, and no one else’s. So make them wisely! (Wait…that’s another money lesson. Oh well).

Bonus Money Activity: Here's an EconEdLink lesson completely based on this book. Have your child identify what they think are “wants” that he spends his money on. Now, add up how much each of these wants cost Alexander. How much money would he still have if he had not spent on all his wants? What else could he have done with that money?

Money Books for Kids (5 to 10 Years Old)

young kid reading money book on couch in superman outfit, text overlay "best money books for kids broken down by age"

1. Those Shoes, Maribeth Boelts

Ages: 5-8 years

How to teach kids about money without including this timeless issue: peer pressure. Whether we like to remember this happened to us as tweens/teens or not, there is a lot of peer pressure when it comes to having “cool” clothes. And often the “cool” clothes cost more than parents’ paychecks can support.

That’s why I like this book. A boy gets transfixed by the newest trend of shoes at his school. His jealousy is palpable. Unfortunately, his grandmother can only afford to get him the shoes that he needs − winter boots.

Even worse, his own “everyday” shoes fall apart at school. A helpful guidance counselor gives him a pair to have, but they’re what’s considered “baby” shoes and he gets embarrassed.

What happens? He finds that the one boy who didn’t laugh at his “baby” shoes actually was worse off than him. When he actually finds the shoes of his dreams − albeit one size too small − from a thrift store, he ends up gifting them to this other boy.

The Money Lesson(s): First off, I love how this boy figures out an alternative way of finding the shoes he wants for a price his grandmother can afford − the thrift store. I also love how the grandmother unabashedly told him what they could and could not afford instead of racking up a charge she didn’t need on her credit card to satisfy a current trend.

Life Lesson(s): Helping out someone else is hugely rewarding, just like when someone helps you out.

Bonus Money Activity: Have your child talk to you about something that they want that they cannot currently afford. Then ask them to think about ways they could get what they wanted for less money so that they could afford it sooner. Give them some hints to help this exercise along, especially if they’re not used to finding discounts for items.

Money Book #2: Jenny Found a Penny, Trudy Harris

Ages: 5+ years

Jenny has her eyes set on something special (though you don’t find out what it is until the end). She needs a whole dollar, so she sets out to find all the pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters she can. She also earns a dime from sweeping her grandfather’s porch and sidewalk − this is one determined gal! Unfortunately, she’s thrown for a loop at the cash register when she learns that not only does she have to save up for what she wants to buy, but also for the sales tax that is assessed on it.

The Money Lesson(s): Something you could talk about from this book is an alternative way to get that plastic piggy bank without having spent all her savings on it (such as making one from a two-liter soda bottle, or from a mason jar. Just look on Pinterest for ideas). Also, your child will be introduced to sales tax in this book, something that may well have confused them before (especially if they’ve paid attention to the price tag on an item + how it is always more at the register).

Life Lesson(s): Let others know what your goals are, and they just might help you with them.

Bonus Money Activity: Discuss sales tax with your child, and the idea that it’s different in different states and areas. Look up the sales tax in your own area for reference. Are there any items that are not assessed a sales tax?

3. How the Second Grade Got $8,205.50 to Visit the Statue of Liberty, Nathan Zimelman

Ages: 5-8 years

I love how this book organizes such a huge task − raising a large sum of money − with a child Treasurer who makes reports.

The reports break down their interesting and sometimes funny methods to raise money by the expenses and then overall profits. But it’s done in a very story-telling kind of way, not like a profit-n-loss meeting. This book is hilarious!

The Money Lesson(s): You can shoot for high-money goals! Also, remember that when you sell something, not all of the money you bring in is actually profit. There are expenses you incurred that you need to account for to come to your profit number.

Life Lesson(s): Have a big idea − like checking out the Statue of Liberty? All of your goals are doable. You just need to brainstorm and take action on your ideas for how to get there.

Bonus Money Activity: What are some school fundraisers you’ve participated in the past? List them out. Now, talk about which ones were successful, and which ones were not. Why do you think some were successful and some weren’t?

4. Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock, Sheila Bair

Ages: 6-9 years

This book describes two twins who live very differently, and who treat their money very differently.

This becomes hugely apparent when their grandfather gives them a very intriguing proposition: He’ll pay them each $1 per week to mow his lawn and wash his car. Then he’ll match whatever they have in savings.

One twin cannot keep his impulse purchases at bay − broccoli-flavored gum, anyone? − and the other ends up with a sweet $512 after 10 weeks.

The Money Lesson(s): Aside from ‘you need to have a grandfather who will match your savings from mowing his lawn and washing his car, dollar for dollar’ (ha!)? Saving money is wise for two reasons. Number one, you can afford more quality-of-life-changing items. And number two, because your savings grow through interest (and through matches you can score).

Life Lesson(s): Don’t judge a person by their outside achievements. The beginning of this book is interesting because it sets up the twins in that one is a winner, and the other one is a loser. But it turns out the “loser” twin knew his stuff when it came to saving money.

Money Book #5: Lulu Walks the Dogs, Judith Viorst

Ages: 6-10 years

Lulu is quite the sassy little girl. She decides she needs to make some cash for something REALLY special, and sets her eyes on figuring out anything that will roll the dough in.

Dog-walking seems to be the best-suited (err, most easily lucrative) occupation. Except that she’s pretty bad at dog-walking. There’s this neighborhood kid who seems to be good at everything + super polite and helpful…but she refuses his help and good advice time and time again.

I also like that this is a short chapter book, so you can read it over several nights to your little one (or they can read it themselves).

The Money Lesson(s): Money can be made from a variety of sources if you’ve got some determination.

Life Lesson(s): Don’t be too prideful to ask for help, especially from people who could be the key to you getting what you are tirelessly trying for. A lesson that’s good for both kids and adults to learn!

Bonus Money Activity: Share several ways (or just one) of how you earned cash as a kid. How much did you make? Were you saving up for something special?

6. Rickshaw Girl, Mitali Perkins

Ages: 7-10 years

How to teach kids about money + beyond can start by introducing them to the economics and realities of different cultures.

Ten-year-old Naima is exceptionally good at painting (specifically designs called Alpanas). She lives in a Bangladeshi village with her mother, father, and younger sister.

Unfortunately, even though they make little money, she can’t use her talents to earn money for the family because she is a girl.

The father makes a living by pulling a rickshaw all day. In order to get into the profession, he had to first purchase a rickshaw. But since they have very little, he’s making payments on it.

One day Naima gets the rickshaw into an accident, threatening their entire livelihood.

Bonus Money Activity: On one rickshaw drive Naima’s, father makes is 3 taka. How much is that in US dollars? What is the US minimum wage, and how does that compare with what Naima’s father made?

7. Grandpa's Fortune Fables, Will Rainey

Ages: 7-13 years

Over the last month, my son and I have been snuggling on our big, family bean bag chair and reading through this one chapter at a time.

book cover for Grandpa's Fortune Fables with cartoon grandpa holding granddaughter's hand

He loves how the grandfather set out as a young man to find gold on an island called Pucha-Pucha…and was shocked to learn that the only person really making gold on that island was the one selling the shovels to unsuspecting prospectors.

Hint: this was a great conversation, in and of itself, to have with my child!

Even with the odds stacked against him, the grandfather found his way to wealth. And the granddaughter, Gail, is able to tell her friend, Boris, about the three rules of wealth by weaving it through the story of how her own grandfather became wealthy.

There's a side story about bullying that goes on, and I like how the main character still reaches out to the bully to turn them around (while teaching him some very valuable money lessons).

Psst: you should know that this is written in British English, so you'll hear a few “whilst's” and such throughout.

9. Get to Know Money, Kalpana Fitzpatrick

Ages: 7-9 years

purple and bright yellow book cover with cartoon images all over and little captions

You know those really cool DK books from our youth where each page is dripping in colorful, exciting images and captions all around?

Well, they made one all about money!

I just love it. It's the perfect money book for a classroom, or to send a child who really wants to learn some random and cool facts about where money came from, how the world uses it, and all kinds of things.

Covers:

  • Currency and its history
  • Spending
  • Banking
  • Saving
  • Making money
  • Investing money
  • Money moving
  • Global money
  • Recessions
  • …and just about everything in between

10. The Lemonade War, Jacqueline Davies

Ages: 7-10 years

I absolutely adored this book.

Jessie and her brother, Evan, love each other. Deep down. And usually, they function well as a brother/sister unit. But when Evan finds out that his very intelligent sister is going to be skipping ahead to his own grade, his bad emotions come out of nowhere.

They begin selling lemonade together, and end up starting an all-out lemonade war due to lots of miscommunication that escalates things (gee, that never happens in real life!). And who wins? The person who makes a profit of $100 by the end of the week.

The Money Lesson(s): One of the great money lessons in this book is how it’s geared towards making big business concepts understandable in terms of something your tween gets — a lemonade stand. So, they learn about things like Underselling, Value-Added, Profit Margin, and Franchises. An overall highly valuable money lesson is how to take an idea you have to make money and see it through. These two really know how to implement, and that’s where the rubber meets the road.

Life Lesson(s): I think one of the best life lessons in this book that isn’t necessarily pointed out is that each person, no matter what their skills or capabilities, can bring valuable assets to the table. Jessie is a whiz when it comes to math, calculations, and ideas for how to increase profits. Evan is more of a people person, which is hugely important in a business.

Bonus Money Activity: If you were going to open a lemonade stand, who would you appoint to the different positions? For example, who in your family would be good at advertising for the business? Who would be good at counting the money? Where would you locate your lemonade stand? Start to think about these questions.

11. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Grace Lin

Ages: 8-12 years

In this jade-gem of a book, Minli, and her family live very meagerly (poor according to American standards), but they have what they need.

Though yes, just barely.

The mother is always discontented with their circumstances. Her daughter is quite content, listening to her father’s stories are night, but she knows that her mother is not and she knows they have to work to the bone for the little they have.

So Minli decides to take some of the information from these stories and seek these people out so that she can change her family’s fortunes.

The Money Lesson(s):  This is a beautifully written tale about greed, humbleness, dragons (yes, there are dragons!), and learning to be thankful for what you have.

Life Lesson(s): Being thankful for what you have, and feeling like you have “enough” is the secret to happiness. There’s also a strong lesson here about helping others along their journey and accepting help from others along the way.

Bonus Money Activity: Ask your child these follow-up questions to what they’re reading: Minli and her family have very little money and very few possessions. Yet they have everything that they need. List out at least 4 needs that people must have in order to survive (a home, rice to eat, fields to plant a crop in and harvest, water, clothes to wear, and each other’s company). Now from the list of needs you made, write down what Minli and her family have in order to meet those needs. For example, if you list “water”, you could write that she and her family go to the well to get the water that they need. The only money Minli’s family has is the two copper coins given to Minli when she was a baby. And she spends one of these copper coins on a goldfish from some man who was selling them. Her mother is furious about this. Why do you think that is? What else could Minli have spent this precious money on?

12. A Smart Girl’s Guide to Money (American Girl), Nancy Holyoke

Ages: 9-12 years

If you’re looking for money education geared towards young girls that has a cosmo-girl feel to it, this is your book. I particularly love the guidance on how to not only start up a business but how to figure out your actual profits and not just your overall intake (something would-be biz owners at any age need to hear).

I also dig the 101 money-making ideas in the back.

Overall, the book was a little too shopping-happy for my liking for kids (example: for a typical money moments day they include things like noticing another teen has a purse that costs more than someone’s car and determining that she’s stuck-up, meeting up with teen friends at the mall after school, etc.).

To be fair though, there is a chapter on Shopping that goes into the value of needs versus wants, six ways not to buy, etc.

The Money Lesson(s): This is an entire guide about money, so there are many. The list includes being a smart shopper, starting up a business, running a business, and saving money.

Life Lesson(s): Once again, it’s not a book really set up for one particular lesson or even two. However, one that caught my eye was how to negotiate with your parents to raise your allowance.

13. Lawn Boy, Gary Paulsen

Ages: 8-12

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: financial limits and boundaries breed creativity. In this case, being a broke kid bred a whole business!

Lawn Boy is a pretty great book about a kid who started an entire lawn-mowing business − complete with workers − all because his parents didn’t have enough money to help him buy a new bike inner tube.

While this book is bent towards economics, it’s also great for making entrepreneurship seem a bit more accessible. It gives your kiddo a look into how another kid their age filled a demand for a service, and in the meantime, earned lots of money.

The Money Lesson(s): Get this book for your kiddo for the business and entrepreneur lessons. However, warn your kid about the use of penny stocks and investing their money with random people. Yes, Lawn Boy makes a small fortune when his stockbroker neighbor-turned-business manager invests his money into penny stocks. But that’s not likely to happen.

Life Lesson(s): Keep your eyes open for opportunities. And sometimes? It comes in the form of work. A lot of work.

Bonus Money Activity: Think about yourself trying to start a lawn mowing business. What would you need to purchase in order to get started? How would you come up with that money to begin the business?

14. Lunch Money, Andrew Clements

Ages: 8-12 years

Greg Kenton has a mind and an eye for earning cash. You could say he’s a little money-crazy.

When he figures out that all of his friends and schoolmates carry around extra quarters with them − for things like ice-cream sandwiches, cupcakes, neon pens, pencils, and other things to buy at school − he knows he needs to cash in on it in order to help him make his fortune.

The book follows his entrepreneurial journey as he navigates selling first toys, then self-made, mini-comic books to his students.

Along the way, he figures out how to mass-produce, and he comes up against a fierce competitor and tough school regulations against selling things where learning should be the ultimate goal.

The Money Lesson(s): I like how this book takes a subject that can be very difficult to wrap your head around − entrepreneurship and starting up a small biz − and makes it accessible to kids and adults alike. Most things are addressed in a completely non-intimidating way, such as trademark issues, creation, marketing, figuring out a solid audience to market to, earning money, gross earnings versus profits Greg gets to pocket, etc. However, the book does not get into a bit more complex subjects like taxes on earnings.

Life Lesson(s): There’s an underlying message here of learning how to read things for yourself, analyze them, and then stick up for what you believe in. This happens when Greg and his competitor find out that even though they’re told they cannot sell products to kids in school, they point out the huge amount of advertisements and products being sold to the kids every day (such as Coke in the vending machines, and books through the scholastic school program). Greg, his competitor, and a teacher end up going over the regulations and then presenting their side at the school board meeting.

Bonus Money Activity: Greg’s idea to create miniature comic books and sell them to kids is pretty unique. Ask your child if they wanted to make some extra money, what are three ways they could start doing so?

15. My Life as a Billionaire, Jake Tashjian

Ages: 9-12 years

Who of us has never daydreamed about what we would do if we won the lottery?

I remember, very clearly, having fun with this thought when I was a kid.

Well, in this book, Derek DOES win the lottery – $1.6 billion he needs to share with the original ticket owner

I really enjoyed how this book teaches kids (in a totally fun way) a bit about the logistics and tax part of winning the lottery. It also shows kids that many things in life won't improve just because you win a bunch of money. And, in fact, things might get a bit more complicated!

16. Better than a Lemonade Stand!, Daryl Bernstein

Ages: 9-13 years

I love the fact that this book was written by a 15-year-old. How cool for your kid to see that!

There are 55 different business ideas for kids that go well beyond just the lemonade stand. I also love the fact that sprinkled throughout the book are real-life examples of kids who took this guy’s advice (he originally wrote the book in 1992) and started their own businesses.

There’s a lot of positivity in this book, and I’ll have to warn you that you may not agree with all the advice spouted off by the then-15-year-old in the beginning of the book.

Examples include, “When you earn your own money, it’s yours to spend as you wish…[i]f you prefer to buy loads of candy, go ahead!” And you might want to reinforce the idea of charity against his statement, “When I see a need, I charge a fee to fill it.”

Then again, getting to read a book from a child who is so confident with money, business building, gleaning life lessons from mistakes, and asking for the sale is an awesome role model for your own child.

The Money Lesson(s): Your child will definitely understand what start-up costs are after reading this book, as each of the 55 ideas comes with a list of what they’ll need to get the biz up and going. The crucial role of advertising, along with tons of ideas for how to, is discussed. Each idea also comes with an example of how much to charge, as well as ways to cut down on costs and increase your profits as you move along. Lots of other nuggets like “the less you spend on supplies, the more you make!”, collecting some money upfront so that you have the funds to purchase supplies, and small details to get repeat customers (like bringing along a little bell toy to leave in a bird’s cage after cleaning it so that every time the customer hears the bell they’ll think of you in a sweet way and want you to come again).

Life Lesson(s): Daryl really reinforces the idea that when you make a mistake or fail you can use the lessons as fodder for your next business. I love this “keep going” attitude.

Financial Literacy Books for Middle School Students (Aged 10-13 years)

1. The Toothpaste Millionaire, Jean Merrill

Ages: 10-12 years

Originally published in 1972, this book takes place in an era when many authors, including this one, talked about things like race/age/sex discrimination. So just a heads up!

What I liked about this book for your Money Rookie is that it takes the idea of earning money through manufacturing and makes it a very tangible subject.

In fact, this line from the book pretty much sums up why I’m recommending it: “As I mentioned before, math isn’t my favorite subject. But I think everybody should take a course in toothpaste.”

A child, appalled by how expensive toothpaste costs at the store, knows he can make his own for a very, very small fraction of the cost. So he does. And with the help of his friends and his math teacher, works his way up to opening several toothpaste manufacturing facilities.

Apparently, the US is hungry for $0.15 tubes of toothpaste!

The Money Lesson(s): One lesson is an overall introduction to the manufacturing business (as in how a product is made, some of the costs of production that go into the overall price, price wars with other brands, etc.). So it’s taking lessons your child may have learned running a lemonade stand as a pre-tween and using some real-world examples to teach them the lessons now.

Life Lesson(s): The main character, Rufus, gets a lot of help and ideas from friends, families, and his teacher. I think this is an extremely important lesson, as we’ll all get where we’re going a lot faster (and help others get where they’re going a lot faster) when we let others help us.

Money Book #2: Seventeen Against the Dealer, Cynthia Voigt

Ages: 12+ years

Your child may have thought about wanting to start a business, or shown some interest in running a lemonade stand. For me and my friend, it was starting a bean bag business (not much demand in them…nor supply, for that matter).

Great! Have them read this book. It’s actually Book #7 in a series; however, I didn’t read the other ones before it and thought the story worked well on its own. Dicey Tillerman sets her eyes on opening a boatyard business where she’ll craft boats for a living.

The problem? While she has a little bit of money to start, she doesn’t have a lot of business sense and she doesn’t even have a ton of boat-making experience. Of course, business sense can be picked up as you go (*cough* not that I would know ANYTHING about that).

Your child can read along her journey as she makes decisions of which she suffers from consequences later, as well as subtract expenses from her checkbook.

The Money Lesson(s): In business, you need to have contracts with the people you are serving to protect both you and them. Having enough money in the bank to pay six months’ rent + utilities is woefully inadequate when starting your own business and being unsure of where the money is going to come from. Having more than one income source “stream” is very helpful when your other income streams aren’t doing so hot (but the bills keep coming, as they so often do). It’s important to look into business insurance so that if/when you are robbed, your ability to make money (in her case, her specialty tools needed) is not completely taken away. What you earn from business is not all the money you get to take home thanks to operating costs + fees.

Life Lesson(s): There are lots of life lessons in this book. My favorites include the need to have Plans B-D at least, not trusting complete strangers with your money, and everyone pitching in to help each other out.

4. I Want More Pizza, Steve Burkholder

Ages: 13+ years

As a teen, Steve managed to save up $5,000. But then guess what happened? He lost it all on the stock market.

red covered I Want More Pizza book with pizza drawing

Yikes!

This is how this book opens up, and how the author is able to make a solid, and relatable connection to your teen before diving into all things personal finance for teens.

Topics covered range from why saving your money is really the foundation for the rest of your money management, to investing (while understanding both the potential rewards and risks).

I also love how this book is shorter than others – I can totally see a teen being less intimidated to read through it for that very reason (plus, who doesn't love a pizza on the cover of something?).

Children's Books on Financial Literacy – How to Save Money

If you’re like me, then you like to prime your kids for the next phases in their lives through books. And books are an excellent way of introducing new concepts to them, piquing their interest, or diving much deeper into a topic you want them to explore.

While my little 21-month-old is more into the realm of potty-training + identifying colors in books, yours is likely ready to tackle some of the money issues − and specifically, how to teach children to save money − you’d like to pass on them.

So today, we’re going to do just that by offering a curated list of books to teach children to save (yes, kids save money! At least they can…).

1. The Ant and the Grasshopper, Amy Lowry Poole

Ages: 4+ years

This is a twist on the classic Aesop fable, where the ants consistently, and without hesitation, prepare for the winter months while the grasshopper focuses on games + entertainment in the Chinese Emperor’s Summer Palace.

The Money Lesson(s): Consistent, and sometimes hard, work pays off. Preparation for tough times to come − financially or otherwise − is a good idea. That's why we want to teach children to save money!

Life Lesson(s): The ants may be super prepared for winter while the grasshopper is out in the cold, but there is something to be said for enjoying life more. The lesson here is somewhere along the lines of “work hard, but don’t forget to play hard. Play hard, but don’t forget to leave time for work.”

Bonus Money Talk Starter: Relate this lesson to something in your own household that you do throughout the year in financial preparation. For example, when my sister worked for a school bus company she did not receive a paycheck during the summer months. So, throughout the year she would need to save extra each month to make up for having no paycheck for 2.5 months. What season/item/bill do you financially prepare for ahead of time? Property taxes? Christmas? Summer Camp fees?

2. How the Second Grade Got $8,205.50 to Visit the Statue of Liberty, Nathan Zimelman

Ages: 5-8 years

I love how this book organizes such a huge task − raising a large sum of money − with a child Treasurer who makes reports.

The reports break down their interesting and sometimes funny methods to raise money by the expenses and then overall profits. But it’s done in a very story-telling kind of way, not like a profit-n-loss meeting. This book is hilarious!

The Money Lesson(s): You can shoot for high-money goals! Also, remember that when you sell something, not all of the money you bring in is actually profit. There are expenses you incurred that you need to account for to come to your profit number.

Life Lesson(s): Have a big idea − like checking out the Statue of Liberty? All of your goals are doable. You just need to brainstorm and take action on your ideas for how to get there.

Bonus Money Talk Starter: What are some school fundraisers you’ve participated in the past? List them out. Now, talk about which ones were successful, and which ones were not. Why do you think some were successful and some weren’t? Which ones did your child enjoy the most?

Saving Money Book #3: Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock, Sheila Bair

Ages: 6-9 years

This book describes two twins who live very differently, and who treat their money very differently.

This becomes hugely apparent when their grandfather gives them a very intriguing proposition: He’ll pay them each $1 per week to mow his lawn and wash his car.

Then he’ll match whatever they have in savings.

One twin cannot keep his impulse purchases at bay − broccoli-flavored gum, anyone? − and the other ends up with a sweet $512 after 10 weeks.

The Money Lesson(s): Aside from ‘you need to have a grandfather who will match your savings from mowing his lawn and washing his car, dollar for dollar’ (ha!)? Saving money is wise for two reasons. Number one, you can afford more quality-of-life-changing items. And number two, because your savings grow through interest (and through matches you can score).

Life Lesson(s): Don’t judge a person by their outside achievements. The beginning of this book is interesting because it sets up the twins in that one is a winner, and the other one is a loser. But it turns out the “loser” twin knew his stuff when it came to saving money.

Bonus Money Talk Starter: Ask your kiddo to describe a time that they purchased something and felt really bad about it afterward. Tell them it's called “buyer's remorse”, and that sometimes it happens to adults as well. Share your own story of buyer's remorse with them.

4. Less than Zero, Stuart J. Murphy

Ages: 6-10 years

In a little penguin’s world, the currency is clams and the thing to have. An ice scooter (costs 9 clams).

Of course, there are other temptations along the way – the Ice Circus, Sardine Fishy Treats, and Fishy Fries.

This book clearly demonstrates both a savings goal, as well as what it means to go down to “less than zero” (owing others money).

The Money Lesson(s): You can go into debt with people, and that’s what happens when you take out a loan. Also, temptations will always show up when you have a savings goal; it’s your decision what to choose to spend your money on.

Life Lesson(s): Be kind and honest – when someone loses their money and you find it, be sure to attempt to give it back to them. It might be their last “clam”!

Bonus Money Talk Starter: Ask your kiddo about trendy things that lots of kids are buying right now. Then ask them about a trend in the past that was “all the rage”, but died out (for example, you don't still have your slap bracelet, do you Mama Bear? Does your kiddo think it's smart to spend money on items that become uncool so quickly?

5. Start Saving, Henry!, Nancy L. Carlson

Ages: 5-8 years

After weeks and months of mindless spending, Henry the Mouse sets his eyes on a Super Robot Dude.

The cost? A whole $30.

His allowance per week is just $5. That’s when the idea that he can save up his allowance from week to week dawns on him.

Fun aside: does anyone else here remember those giant jawbreakers from our childhood?

The Money Lesson(s): Life keeps happening, despite your savings goal. So, you need to keep coming back to it no matter how far away it might seem. You’ll get there, one day!

The Life Lesson(s): I like how Henry makes the realization at the end that even though he got what he wanted, he’s just going to start saving more money from now on because you never know when you’ll need the cash.

Bonus Money Talk Starter: Talk to your child about a savings goal that they have that would cost more than their weekly/bi-weekly/monthly allowance. Ask your child if they would like to set aside a certain amount of money for each allowance to put towards it. See how they're feeling.

6. Anna & Solomon, Elaine Snyder

Ages: 4-8 years

This is a heartwarming book about a Jewish couple who decides it’s in their best interest to leave Russia due to persecution.

What I like about their savings goal – to send the husband to America and establish a business, then send money back for her ticket – is wrapped around both earning money from their talents, as well as a goal with real-life consequences.

This isn’t just about saving up for a new ice scooter!

What’s endearing is that Anna actually sends her younger brother, her older brother, and her mother before she uses the money her husband sends for her own ticket. While her husband is disappointed, each time he goes back to work and earns/saves up for another ticket.

Eventually, all are reunited.

Pssst: this is a true story!

The Money Lesson(s): Sometimes you save up for really fun and non-necessary items, like a video game, or a new robot. And other times? You save up for very important, life-altering things, like a ticket so that your family can be reunited with you. Also, once you’ve successfully saved up for one goal, you can just start right in on the next one. And the next one.

The Life Lesson(s): Life takes patience. Getting what you want can take a lot of patience. Keep at it – short-term sacrifices can oftentimes lead to long-term happiness and stability.

Bonus Money Talk Starter: Share a time that you saved money as a family for something very important − more so than a want, something that was a need.

7. Just Saving My Money, Mercer Mayer

Ages: 4-8 years

Little Critter wants a new skateboard because his old one has bit the dust. So his father asks him to save up for it.

The little guy comes up with different chores he can do around the house for money – with varying degrees of success – and finally, his mason jar is so full that he needs to open a savings account!

I like how this book takes your child through the process of first saving money in a jar, and then transitioning to a savings account at a bank.

The Money Lesson(s): You can earn money to put towards a savings goal. Also, you can choose to either save your money in a jar, or at a bank.

The Life Lesson(s): It’s okay to change your mind! Just like Little Critter did at the end.

Bonus Money Talk Starter: Talk to your kiddo about the positives and negatives of saving money in a mason jar/piggy bank versus saving money in a savings account.

8. Mamá’s Birthday Surprise, Elizabeth Spurr

Ages: 8-9 years

I love the details of Mexican culture in this book, as well as the concrete savings goal this family has and sees through.

Three children and their hard-working mother – working, going to college – live in Glendale, CA. After a large earthquake, her mother was taken in by her rich Uncle in Guadalajara and often recounts his many luxuries and the goodness of life there. She married an American, who took them to California.

Unfortunately, he died in a car crash.

The mother wanted to return on a visit to Mexico and bring her family to meet her Uncle. To save up for the trip, they have a piggy bank on top of the fridge that they affectionately named Jamón.

Follow along as several life events, such as job loss, coincide with the kids saving up all their earnings on the side so that they can surprise their mother with a birthday gift – enough money to pay for all four plane tickets to Guadalajara.

I love all the details on Mexican culture!

The Money Lesson(s): Kids can earn + save up enough money to actually make a difference to a real-life situation. That's empowering! This book also briefly mentions life insurance from the death of her husband. Also, because of what they found out happened to the Uncle, it's a good thing for them to understand that money can come and go.

The Life Lesson(s): Have faith in your parents. Sometimes they tell stories that aren't true with your benefit in mind. And other times? They're telling the truth, even if it might not seem like it at first.

Bonus Money Talk Starter: Since your kiddo will learn that the once-rich Uncle loses everything, now's the perfect time to discuss with them the need for emergency funds. Save money during the good times, so that you have it in the bad times.

9. Not Your Parents’ Money Book, Jean Chatzky

Ages: 10+ years

I really like how the various subjects of this book – making, saving, and spending your own money – are led by actual kids’ questions that Chatzky surveyed from around the U.S.

Let’s be honest: kids are real! They want to know ways to earn money that don’t have to do with babysitting, or they confess that their parents have a rule that if they receive $10 in one day they’re not allowed to spend it all that day (good rule).

Chatzky advises your child to save 10% of all of their income for life and shows them the breakdown of how this would land them over a million dollars (if they invest it as well) by retirement. Not so bad. I wish I had started when I was a teen!

She dives into the difference between simple and compound interest, why you want to use a bank instead of your mattress to stash your savings, and lots more.

A section I particularly like in the book? Is when she breaks down incomes from common job types. Not necessarily related to savings, but eye-opening for your child, anyhow (and, let’s face it, you need money to save money!).

Another favorite? The chapter on “Why does money make people so crazy?”

Bonus Money Talk Starter: This book is different from the others as it reads more like a kids' money textbook (but a fun one). So you could ask your kiddo what questions they have after reading through everything.

Children's Books About Coins

If you want children's books specifically about coins, I would recommend the following from above: 

You'll also want to check out these counting money apps, coin identification games, and money worksheets for 2nd grade.

Well, there you have it – a huge list of good to great money books to stock your child’s reading list. Plus a ton of ideas for bonus money activities to go along with many of these financial books for kids! What are your favorite kids' stories that teach children to save money? Please leave them in the comments below!

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Amanda L. Grossman is a writer and Certified Financial Education Instructor, a 2017 Plutus Foundation Grant Recipient, and founder of Money Prodigy. Her money work has been featured on Experian, GoBankingRates, PT Money, CA.gov, Rockstar Finance, the Houston Chronicle, and Colonial Life. Amanda is the founder and CEO of Frugal Confessions, LLC. Read more here or on LinkedIn.

Chris Roane

Wednesday 26th of December 2018

Wow, what a great list of books! I'll have to check some of them out. I think we need to do a better job with books like this. We include our kids with budget discussions, but I think integrating storytelling is a helpful learning experience. Just thinking about if I had read these books when I was younger, I would have avoided some of my financial mistakes in my 20's.

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