How economics works series.

HOW ECONOMICS WORKS SERIES. Economics. Gilman, Laura Anne. 0-8225-5757-6. Saving money. Heckman, Philip. 0-8335-57584. Budgeting. Donovan, Sandy. 0-8224-5755-X. Earning money. Murphy, Patricia J. 0-82255756-8. Lerner. 48p. illus, notes, bibliog, index. c2006. $7.95 each. J

Lerner's colorful series on money and savings is a splendid introduction to finance for young people at an impressionable time in their lives. Upbeat cartoons, photos, and anecdotes illustrate the how-to of money management. A time line summarizes the history of coins and currency. Sidebars connect historical figures with finance: e.g., Martha Washington, Confucius, and John Maynard Keynes. From a YA's perspective, the text covers spending birthday money; saving for a computer, camera, or running shoes; giving to charity; and developing businesses selling stationery, body lotion, and chocolate. In addition to clarifying the elements of finance, the entries spur interest in keeping accounts and in historic downturns in business. The authors stress the individual's need for CDs, investments, mutual funds, and other forms of saving.

Back matter includes valuable glossaries, bibliographies including print and electronic sources, and thorough indexing. These concise, reasonably priced works should find eager readers in public and school libraries and in the hands of parents who want to train children in fiscal responsibility. Mary Ellen Snodgrass, Hickory, NC