Talking about money can be difficult, even for adults, but it is essential if one is to become financially independent and economically savvy. Using simple language in short, labeled paragraphs, this series contextualizes the way money works in communities, households, and the world at large, demonstrating that monetary issues don’t exist in a vacuum. The authors delineate what countries, states, and cities spend money on, such as social programs, education, housing, and healthcare, and who is responsible for making broad financial decisions. The series also explains factors that affect families, such as budgets, credit, loans, insurance, taxes, rent, and much more, in an accessible way. Colorful, simply drawn graphics enhance the text, and helpful graphs and charts are employed to add perspective and illustrate more abstract concepts. VERDICT A comprehensive start to getting students to think about money and become responsible spenders and savers.

School Library Journal/Series Made Simple, November 2015