Money. Like it or not, it's a necessity of life. Money allows us to purchase things we need or want. It helps us achieve goals. When we earn money, we feel successful, independent, and maybe even powerful. Many kids would agree that spending the green stuff can be a lot of fun. And there are also many young people who know how difficult things can be when there is not enough money to provide for essentials.

But whether you get an allowance or not, whether you have a bank account or not, it's important that everyone try to be responsible about money. To do that, it helps to know the history of money, and how it really functions in our society. We've rounded up some books that will help you sort out what's what in terms of saving, spending, investing money. From how banks and credit cards work to the ins and outs of the stock market (not a very happy subject for investors in early 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 cash --- and how you can turn your time and talent into profit.

 ------- Shannon Maughan

KIDBIZ: Everything You Need to Start Your Own Business
by Conn McQuinn
illustrated by Mike Reddy
Puffin
ISBN: 0140388117

Maybe your allowance just isn't covering your expenses these days. Or maybe you don't even get an allowance. No matter which camp you fall into, this book is filled with 30 great ideas for starting a business and earning some cash. You'll learn all the best ways to proceed --- writing a business plan, establishing contacts, finding customers. Baby-sitting, pet sitting, planning children's parties and designing t-shirts are just a few of the businesses outlined here.

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

You can do it! 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 are just a few of the ideas mentioned.

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. The book also explains the stock market and suggests ways to find a job that's perfect for you.

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 betweens stocks and bonds, and describes the various places and ways you can invest your money, from a simple savings account to mutual funds. In addition to tips on how to read the stock pages in the newspaper, and suggestions for making practice investments with imaginary dollars, you'll also find extra chart pages where you can keep track of your losses and gains.

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 making charitable contributions (something everyone should do, within their means), how to budget and how to avoid being ripped off.

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

Real-life advice from real kids is at the heart of this helpful book. 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).

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

Did you ever wonder where the concept of money comes from? 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. You'll learn about banks, the stock market, credit, investing and saving. And speaking of saving, you'll also find out how and why piggy banks became popular. There's plenty of fun on these pages, too --- games, puzzles riddles, and even crafts.

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. 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. Explanations of stocks, bonds, business strategies, and how the government's economy operates are also included. 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. That's exactly what the girls profiled in this book have done. 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). This book serves up a heaping helping of practical advice on how to start a business and how to make the most of the money you earn. Includes moneymaking tips for kids who love cooking, babysitting, caring for animals, working with computers and more.

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