Dollars & Sense: A Kid’s Guide to Using—Not Losing—Money

“Unfortunately, money doesn’t come with a set of instructions,” writes Scott in her introduction to this practical guide to earning, spending, saving, and understanding the role that money plays in our society. Scott walks readers through economic concepts like supply and demand, banks and how they operate, debt, interest, inflation, and investing, all accompanied by Clark’s cartoon caricatures of people and animals. One of eight chapters discusses the Great Depression and its aftermath, and another explores the 2007–2009 Great Recession (“There was simply too much debt in the economy, and it couldn’t be repaid”). Day-to-day basics, such as the correct way to fill out a check, should help give solid footing to readers dealing with earning and spending for the first time. Ages 9–12. (Aug.)