Budgeting, Spending, and Saving

Gr 2–5—These texts break down the most essential components of financial literacy for young readers, illustrating how to handle money carefully and make smart choices. "Decision Time" charts put children in the driver's seat and ask them to make decisions, such as whether to pay with cash or credit. The visual graphics break down these complex ideas clearly and comprehensibly. The children featured look authentic and are from a variety of backgrounds. The books offer effective and concrete tips young people will easily grasp, such as motivating oneself by putting a photograph of a purchase goal on one's piggy bank or setting it as one's computer screensaver. Sidebars with numbers and percentages as well as numerous charts are useful. At times, however, the design is rather lackluster: dark greens and oranges give the cover a dated feel, and the selection of photos and graphics seem tired.