Primary age students all seem to know what they want. They may want candy, a new toy, or a pet, but how do they learn to make a choice between what they want and what they need. This book written by Mary Reina helps young readers tell the difference and it “supports national social studies standards related to production, distribution, and consumption.” (from Note to Parents and Teachers- p. 2)

The opening lines are: “We choose how to use our money. Spending, saving, and donating are all money choices. What choices will you make?”  (p. 5) The young reader is given a simple definition- “Needs are things you must have.” (p. 7) plus some typical examples. Then given the simple definition: “Wants are nice but you can live without them.” (p.9) with the examples from above. Then it process to tell that sometimes the choices are not so simple, as when you need new shoes but the ones you want are not practical. You want something to eat, but should you choose fruit or candy. Which is better for your health. The reader then so told about saving part of their money to purchase a bigger item they want at a latter time. Finally, donating money to a cause that needs money, in this case a school bake sale, is given as a suggestion. The book ends with:            “Making good money choices teaches you to use money wisely. You won’t waste money. Then you can keep more of the money you earn.”  (p. 21)

There are two or three sentences on each right-hand page across from an appropriate photo on the left-hand page. Photos throughout the book are multi cultural. While the book measures 6.5″  X 7.5″, it covers a big topic well for this age group.

Includes: glossary, index, www.facthound.com, and two ‘Critical Thinking Using the Common Core’ questions.