Follow Your Money: Who Gets It, Who Spends It, Where Does It Go?

Gr 5–8—This book explores the difference between "price" and "cost," terms many readers may use interchangeably. The authors start with the price to the consumer, and then list the various costs to the manufacturer or supplier, leaving the profit or "what's left" at the end. Costs involve materials, manufacturing, labor, production, advertising, marketing, and retailers' costs such as store operations and staff. Examples of about 50 products and services, relevant to young readers, range from school supplies to digital downloads. Casual narrative is surrounded by large, bright, cartoonlike illustrations. Informative text and sidebars discuss topics such as reasons why stores put things on sale and explain economic concepts including bottom line, gross vs. net profit, fair trade, and loss leader. This title presents a unique approach to economics and money, hopefully enabling readers to be smarter consumers.—June Shimonishi, Torrance Public Library, CA