Instilling financial literacy in children and teenagers is crucial to help them develop a strong foundation for their future financial well-being. One effective way is to introduce and reinforce these concepts through financial literacy books that are engaging, educational, and of course age-appropriate!
We will explore some of the top financial literacy books for young kids, pre-teens, and teens which serve as valuable resources for empowering the next generation with essential money management skills.
Young children:
Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins: This delightful picture book teaches young children about the basics of money, entrepreneurship, and the value of saving. It follows siblings Pauline & John-John as they embark on a winter adventure to sell lemonade and learn important lessons along the way.
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams: This heartwarming story highlights the power of saving and teamwork. It narrates the tale of a young girl, Rosa, and her family as they save money to buy a comfortable chair after losing their belongings in a fire. It emphasizes the value of resilience, saving, and working together to achieve a goal.
The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense by Stan & Jan Berenstain: This classic Berenstain Bears story is a perfect way to teach children about money and responsibility!
Pre-teens:
The Kids’ Money Book by Jamie Kyle McGillian: This comprehensive guide provides pre-teens with practical money management advice. It covers topics such as earning, saving, budgeting, and making responsible spending choices. The book incorporates fun activities and interactive exercises to make learning about money engaging and relatable.
Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss by Walter Andal: This book is entertaining and aims to help children get on the right path to making smart personal financial decisions. Children and parents will explore topics like: saving and investing, currencies, giving back, and how to make money to name a few!
The Secret Life of Money: A Kid’s Guide to Cash by Kira Vermond: With a humorous and relatable approach, this book covers a wide range of topics like charity, saving, and spending. It helps pre-teens to understand the value of money, make good and informed choices, and develop responsible money habits.
How to Turn $100 Into $1,000,000 by James McKenna & Jeannine Glista: The ultimate kids’ (aged 10-14) guide to money: earning it, saving it, and investing it.
Teens:
Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens by Robert T. Kiyosaki: This teen-focused adaption of the popular book ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ presents practical financial lessons that are tailored to a younger audience. It explores topics such as investing, entrepreneurship, and the importance of financial education.
The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke by Suze Orman: Geared towards older teens and young adults, this book provides valuable advice on managing money, tackling student loans, building credit, and setting financial goals. It offers insights into navigating the financial challenges faced by young individuals today.
How to Money: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance by Jean Chatzky and Kathryn Tuggle: Learn how to money in this in-depth, full-color illustrated guide from the team at HerMoney — the perfect gift for graduation season, back-to-school, and beyond!
Honorable Mentions:
The Prophet Yusuf’s Amazing Investment by Learning Roots & Wahed: This free and downloadable e-book serves as a child’s first guide to halal investing. Drawing on the Qur’anic story of the Prophet Yusuf — who encouraged his community to save through years of prosperity to prepare for years of hardship — the book teaches children the concepts of planning for the future, delayed gratification, and how to grow wealth, all while “keeping it halal.”
Get a Financial Life: Personal Finances in Your 20s and 30s by Beth Kobliner: Although targeted at young adults, this book is a valuable resource for super-savvy teens. It covers essentials like budgeting, paying off debt, investing, and planning for the future. It offers practical guidance for managing finances during the transition from teenage years into adulthood.