The Survival Guide to Money Smarts by Eric Braun

Practical worksheets and relevant concerns make this “Survival Guide” a useful money primer for middle graders.

The Survival Guide to Money Smarts by Eric Braun and Sandy Donovan.  Free Spirit Publishing, 2016, 150 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12

Recommended for: ages 10-15

What is “money”?  We think we know, but this practical book starts with that question and goes on to more practical concerns like setting goals for money, earning money, budgeting money and spending money wisely.  Almost all of this is relevant to the average 12-year-old, though the last chapter explored on banking and investing, with tips on choosing and tracking stocks and bonds.  Each chapter includes a form that can be copied and used to chart goals, make a budget or business plan, etc. (or you can look up the website and download the form from there).

One welcome feature of the book is the attention given to sharing the money you earn.  The slant is a bit liberal here in the criteria put forward to determine the morality of donating and spending.  For example, should you pay admission to the local zoo when it doesn’t provide adequate space for its polar bear exhibit?  Or should you join a boycott until that oversight is remedied?  Should you pay attention to where those trendy jeans are made?  What if they were produced in Chinese sweatshops by ten-year-olds?  These are legitimate concerns, and it’s good to be socially aware, but Christian parents will want to add the spiritual dimensions of tithing, sacrificial giving, and supporting missions and local ministries.

Overall Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)

  • Worldview/moral value: 3.5
  • Artistic value: 4.5

Some good novels for entrepreneurial spirits that we’ve reviewed: Lawn Boy, The Year Money Grew on Trees, and The King of Mulberry Street.

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Support our writers and help keep Redeemed Reader ad-free by joining the Redeemed Reader Fellowship.

Stay Up to Date!

Get the information you need to make wise choices about books for your children and teens.

Our weekly newsletter includes our latest reviews, related links from around the web, a featured book list, book trivia, and more. We never sell your information. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

FREE Bible Guide!

Get a guide to the Best Bibles for Children and Teens. Perfect for an Easter gift.

Janie Cheaney

Janie is the VERY senior staff writer for Redeemed Reader, as well as a long-time contributor to WORLD Magazine and an author of nine books for children. The rest of the time she's long-distance smooching on her four grandchildren (not an easy task). She lives with her equally senior husband of almost-fifty years in the Ozarks of Missouri.

We'd love to hear from you!

Our comments are now limited to our members (both Silver and Golden Key). Members, you just need to log in with your normal log-in credentials!

Not a member yet? You can join the Silver Key ($2.99/month) for a free 2-week trial. Cancel at any time. Find out more about membership here.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.