Cryptocurrency By Matt Chandler

For the reader looking for a very basic understanding of cryptocurrency, this book provides just that. Written at a 6th grade reading level, Cryptocurrency keeps things very simple covering the history of how this relatively new currency came about,  how it works, its advantages and disadvantages,  and how one acquires and uses cryptocurrencies. 

And finally the book addresses the dangers that have emerged with cryptocurrency’s proliferation.

Students who want to learn about digital currencies and investments should pick up Cryptocurrency.  – Claudio Leon

Kid Start-Up: How You Can Be an Entrepreneur by Mark Cuban, Shaan Patel, and Ian McCue

Students who know the TV show Shark Tank may be interested in this  book co-authored by the American billionaire Mark Cuban, former Shark Tank contestant Shaan Patel,  and Ian McCue who is a successful teen entrepreneur.

The book offers direct, practical advice for younger readers with a section on “10 businesses that any kid can start”  including pricing and strategy suggestions, procedural directions, and a list of supplies needed - it is a how-to book rooted in the practical.  

Chapter 5  “The Nuts and Bolts of Launching Your Business” gives screenshot-illustrated directions on creating an advertising flyer,  setting up social media, building a weekly website, and selling items on eBay.  These directions link to templates that unfortunately may frustrate detained readers who are without Internet at present, but may be usual nevertheless and in the future.

Chapter 7 is designed like a workbook with lines where readers can write their comments and responses.  Backmatter includes info on affiliate marketing, a glossary, and affiliate links to resources.  Page 65 lists legal tips and may spark additional interest.

While not a perfect fit for all older NYC adolescents,  nor culturally relevant to most Passages students,  the book nonetheless offers useful information and a reader-friendly table of contents.  Older readers may find the book valuable despite the  “kid” focus and language.  --Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Cuban, Mark and Shaan Patel, Ian McCue.   Kid Start-Up: How You Can Be an Entrepreneur.  New York: Diversion Books, 2018.

How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000: Earn! Invest! Save! by James McKenna, Jeannine Glista and Matt Fontaine

The title and cover of this book make it hard to keep on our library shelves.   Although  the book lacks cultural  and class-sensitivity,  it is straightforward.  The authors put forth their concept of the “million-dollar mindset (MDM)”  using examples of famous American multi-millionaires, emphasizing how entrepreneurship career choices paid off. 

While providing ideas for suburban adolescents hoping to make money, the authors do not provide detailed, specific information for making the crucial savvy investments required to generate the power of compound interest.  

Nevertheless this book is good for teens of all backgrounds who want to gain financial literacy.

Click here for Daria Plumb’s twenty-page educator guide offered by the publisher.--Jessica Fenster-Sparber

Follow Your Money by Kevin Sylvester and Michael Glinka

Follow Your Money is a great way to get students thinking about how far their money goes. The book breaks down the cost of everyday items in order to demonstrate how much money goes into each of the item’s components. Without much financial jargon, Follow Your Money sheds light into what students pay for when they buy those designer jeans instead of the generic ones or those name brand sneakers instead of cheaper ones. The title is also peppered with small trivia about finance and the history of money. Students who enjoyed Start It Up or just want to know about how the world works will have much to learn from Follow Your Money. Needless to say, the book can also be a great tool for math teachers. --Claudio Leon

Sylvester, Kevin and Michael Hlinka. Follow Your Money. Buffalo: Firefly Books, 2013. Print.