Big Money

September 1, 2023
Big concepts relayed on a small-enough scale for young readers to relate to. This is a book about money in the big-picture sense. The first chapter covers different forms of money throughout history and around the world, but from there the narrative broadens in scope to include behavioral economics and systemic wealth gaps. The final chapter brings it all home to practical matters such as the kinds of questions to ask trusted adults about money and the power of compound interest and diversified portfolios. The narration is self-aware enough to acknowledge the dryness of lessons about, for instance, the GDP. Thankfully, trivia peppered throughout adds flavor to each lesson, from the ironic origin of the Monopoly board game to the use of giant coins on the Micronesian island of Yap. The book's broad umbrella means that readers might skim through the volume, starting off on workplace benefits, for instance, before becoming absorbed by Bhutan's gross national happiness measurement. Injustice and inequity are addressed in their many forms, including along workplace, environmental, racial, gender, and political lines, enough to give readers food for thought. Chapters are structured thematically and logically, and Donnelly emphasizes that structural issues play a far bigger role than individual decisions. Final art not seen. A wide-ranging conversation about the role money plays in the world and our lives. (bibliography) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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October 1, 2023

Gr 3-7-Experienced nonfiction and fiction author Donnelly has produced an informative title that combines zany humor and dead seriousness to explain a wide range of topics related to money, economics, and wealth. Employing innovative examples, she weaves together historical facts, big economical concepts, and calls to action. Occasional quirky illustrations add visual appeal. Citing instances of strange items like giant stones used historically as currency, Donnelly explains the difference between money as a concept and money as a physical object, kicking off seven chapters filled with information relatable to kids. Her introduction to economic concepts like supply and demand, market economy, and inflation employs brownie sundaes and quotes from philosopher/economist Adam Smith to relay information at a surprisingly suitable level for a range of young readers. The text encourages conversation with trusted adults, particularly the latter chapters, which discuss traditional employment vs. gig work, Gross Domestic Products in the United States and around the world, and how economic choices can affect young people. After frank discussions of income inequality (using sandwiches as currency), and the effect of big business on the environment, the book comes to a close with a series of questions and suggestions to get kids considering plans for the future and examining their own money-related values. VERDICT Although the topic may not immediately appeal to a typical browsing reader, a teacher or librarian could easily book talk this charming title into a middle grader or middle schooler's backpack.-Deidre Winterhalter

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 20, 2023
Grades 4-7 Donnelly concisely explains the basics of economics in a selection from the slim (though growing) stack of books published on this subject for middle-graders. Each chapter introduces a question and then answers it using appealing examples (e.g., a video game where you can buy goods such as dragon eggs) that illustrate earning, managing, and spending money. Readers learn what money is, how money systems work, how we make money, and what we spend it on. It discusses behavioral economics, environmental costs, and economic and social inequality, and offers hypothetical solutions. Aware that some readers may not find economics exciting, Donnelly jokes, "Does the author of this book really think another poop joke is going to make up for a chapter of boredom?" She compensates for the less-than-high-interest topic by including illustrations and intriguing facts (like humans, red squirrels can inherit wealth--and its privileges--from their parents). She also provides good money habits for readers to practice now. This book, finished with source notes and including vocab words defined in the text, is useful for students doing research.

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