Synopsis
An introduction to money management for young readers covers such areas as saving for large purchases, following the stock market, understanding cumulative value, avoiding rip-offs, and selecting a charity.
Reviews
Grade 4-8?A book that clearly explains money in terms that will interest children and encourage them to behave responsibly. After presenting practical moneymaking ideas, Otfinoski covers budgeting and standard consumer advice. Other useful information includes the difference between simple and compound interest; a succinct explanation of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds; and the three golden rules of using a credit card. A chapter on sharing encourages charitable giving of both cash and personal effort. The author avoids fictionalizing; all of his examples are from the "real world." Illustrations are limited to a few black-and-white cartoons and diagrams of deposit slips, newspaper stock reports, etc. Appendixes include lists of consumer protection agencies and volunteer organizations, an explanation of how to read stock tables, and a slightly dated bibliography. Adriane Berg and Arthur Bochner's The Totally Awesome Money Book for Kids (Newmarket, 1993) presents much of the same material in more "hip" language. Dan Fitzgibbon's All about Your Money (Atheneum, 1984; o.p.) gives more general guidelines in a somewhat drier style, with an excellent chapter on "learning to enjoy your money." Elizabeth Wilkinson's Making Cents (Little, 1989) is the best written of all, but concentrates on money-making ideas with a final chapter on money management, business ethics, etc. Oftinoski's friendly, low-key approach compares well to all of these titles.?Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds, WA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Gr. 4^-7. The subtitle says it all. In a brisk, fluent text, Otfinoski gives kids sound insights into managing their finances--from earning to saving to budgeting to spending. The section on operating a business will be great for entrepreneurs who already have a venture in mind; brief information on credit cards and mortgages will give children a feeling for what to expect in the future; and there's a quick rundown on investment opportunities, ranging from collectibles to mutual funds to playing the market. Perhaps most noteworthy, however, is the chapter on charitable contributions, an aspect of personal finances rarely covered in books for kids. It's about time to see that topic given some due. An excellent glossary and tips for reading the stock tables in the newspaper are among materials appended. Stephanie Zvirin
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