Money. Ducats. Dinero. Cash.

Even if you don't have a bank account or don't get an allowance or don't really care right now, at some point in your life, you will have to understand the green stuff and how we use it.

Lots of kids know how to spend money, but do you know how to earn it, save it and make it work for you? Kidsreads is here to help you figure out finance. We've rounded up the best books about all different aspects of money and put them together for you. From how banks and credit cards work to the ins and outs of the stock market (not a very happy subject for investors in 2001), to how to start your own business, these titles have it all. You'll also find information on giving money to charity, the Federal Reserve system, and money's role in our government --- topics that always seem to be in the news.

So...what are you waiting for? Get the scoop on how to turn your piggy bank pennies into a fortune!
 
   --- by Shannon Maughan

THE YOUNG INVESTOR: Projects and Activities for Making Your Money Grow
by Katherine Bateman
Chicago Review Press
ISBN: 1556523963
Ages 9-12
144 pages

The dozens of activities in this guide will teach you how to balance a checkbook, read stock tables, and know what people are talking about when they mention inflation, recession, and the Federal Reserve Board. The skies the limit with this book!

THE TOTALLY AWESOME MONEY BOOK FOR KIDS, Second Edition
by Adriane G. Berg and Arthur Bochner
Newmarket Press
ISBN: 1557044937
Ages 10-up
160 pages

Eleven-year-old Arthur Bochner came up with the book's theme and most of the content, according to his mother, lawyer/radio host/author Adriane G. Berg. They collaborated to bring you an overview of money management principles --- budgeting, saving, credit and debt, taxes and more. Terms are defined and illustrated with cool board games.

50 MONEY MAKING IDEAS FOR KIDS
by Larry Burkett
illustrated by Mark Herron
Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 0849940451
Ages 9-12
144 pages

The tips and solid guidance in this book will have you setting goals and earning some extra money before you know it. Gift wrapping, house cleaning and shoveling snow, and a ton more ideas to get you started down the road to financial independence!

NEW MOON MONEY: How to Get It, Spend It, and Save It
Crown
ISBN: 0517885859
Ages 9-12
96 pages

Inspired by the girls' magazine New Moon, this book offers real-world advice from a board of girls aged 10-14. Through stories, interviews, poems and advice, girls will learn what they need to know about budgeting, saving and earning money.

GROWING MONEY: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids
by Gail Karlitz and Debbie Honig
illustrated by Stephen Lewis
Price, Stern, Sloan
ISBN:0843174811
Ages 9-up
128 pages

Get a thorough introduction to savings accounts and the stock market and learn how to make the most of your money --- invest it so it will earn interest and/or dividends. This book explains the difference between stocks and bonds, and describes the various places and ways you can invest your money, from a simple savings account to mutual funds.

THE KID'S GUIDE TO MONEY: Earning It, Saving It, Spending It, Growing It, Sharing It
by Steve Otfinoski
Scholastic
ISBN: 0590538535
Ages 9-up
128 pages

Here's a road map for how to do just about anything with your money. There's information on how to start a business as well as explanations of mortgages, credit cards, the stock market and more. You'll also find great tips on how to make charitable contributions (something everyone should do if they have the means!)

THE EVERYTHING KIDS' MONEY BOOK
by Diane Mayr
Adams
ISBN: 1580623220
Ages 8-up
144 pages

This book offers a history of currency, an explanation of how our country's Federal Reserve operates, how to start a business, and how banks work. There's plenty of fun on these pages, too --- games, puzzles riddles, and even crafts.

THE KIDS' ALLOWANCE BOOK
by Amy Nathan
illustrated by Debbie Palen
Walker Books
ISBN: 0802775322
Ages 8-up
144 pages

The Allowance Squad, a group of 166 kids ages 9-14, from all over the country, cover all the angles when it comes to allowances. The Squad and their parents talk about how much an allowance should be, how often it should be given, whether it should be earned by doing chores or not. You'll also find pointers on saving money and a list of resources where you can get more information on a variety of money matters. The comments from these kids and parents might echo the kinds of conversations that go on in your house (or they might inspire you to bring up the topic with your Mom and Dad).

NEALE S. GODFREY'S KIDS' MONEY BOOK
by Neale S. Godfrey
illustrated by Randy Veroughstraete
Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 0689817177
Ages 8-up
128 pages

This comprehensive look at money comes from noted financial expert Neale Godfrey ---- she created both the First Women's Bank and the First Children's Bank (in F.A.O. Schwartz). From the history of money to opening checking and savings accounts to applying for a credit card, you'll find loads of information on how to handle your money. Fun facts, a glossary of definitions, games, and nifty cartoon illustrations are all part of the fun.

MONEYMAKERS: Good Cents for Girls
by Ingrid Roper
illustrated by Susan Synarski
Pleasant Company
ISBN: 1562476688
Ages 8-up
110 pages

Earning your own money is a great feeling, especially when you can earn cash by doing something you love. At the beginning of each chapter, you'll find a story and advice from a real-life girl entrepreneur who followed her dream --- including a letter from Pleasant Rowland, the founder of Pleasant Company (the company that created the American Girls empire). Also included is moneymaking tips for kids who love cooking, babysitting, caring for animals, working with computers and more. 

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