Money Out Loud: All the Financial Stuff No One Taught Us

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up—Anat, daughter of immigrants who grappled with financial challenges, offers a relatable perspective as the first in her family to attend college. Penned as an engaging, informal, first-person narrative, the text addresses the specific concerns of BIPOC teenage girls, providing them with tools to navigate their financial journey. The content covers a spectrum of financial aspects, from practical advice on saving, spending, banking, investing, and taxes, to thought-provoking discussions on giving back and the costs of borrowing for college. Additionally, it provides insights, such as ways to reward oneself while managing debt and increasing savings. The book delves into societal issues such as wealth disparity, income inequality, and the complexities of capitalism. These discussions add depth to the financial advice provided, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the current economic landscape. Each topic features a relatable "textspert"—a financial expert whose advice is delivered via text messages. This approach not only makes the information accessible, but also keeps readers engaged. The user-friendly layout, featuring illustrations, charts, footnotes, and a glossary ensures that complex financial concepts are comprehensible. The inclusion of references to current events, social media trends, and colloquial language adds contemporary appeal, but may quickly date the book. VERDICT This much-needed financial manual would serve as good addition to a high school library, a reference tool for a personal finance class, or as a graduation gift.—Lynne Stover