The Kids' Allowance Book

by Amy Nathan

�A completely charming discussion of allowances…communicates some of life�s important skills in a way that is fun and practical.� � Kirkus Reviews �Well worth the investment.� � School Library Journal This lively book answers families� questions about allowances: How much to give? When to start? How to set it up? How to keep kids from blowing it? Written for kids, but vital for parents, the book�s advice comes from the Allowance All-Star Squad, 166 kids who have tackled tons of allowance snags�with great results! Their parents chime in, too, as do financial and psychology experts.

98 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

About the author

My books cover a wide range of topics, from women's history to dance to allowances to how to make practicing a musical instrument — or doing homework — less of a hassle.

However, all my books have something in common: They introduce you to amazing people whose stories have inspired me and, I hope, will spur you to keep following your dreams, no matter what kinds of obstacles may pop up from time to time that may seem to block your way. These people found ways around the obstacles they encountered. They all have fascinating stories to tell. I'm glad to have had a chance to get to know them so I can share their stories and ideas with you through my books.

With many of the people I write about, I was lucky enough to be able to interview them. I love interviewing people, speaking with them to find out more about what they like to do, how they've handled the different challenges they've faced in their lives, and what advice they have for kids today. I also love reading about people who lived long ago, something I did for COUNT ON US, which tells the story of women who pitched in to defend the nation from the Revolutionary War on. As a kid growing up in Baltimore, my favorite books were biographies and historical fiction. I remember walking down to my neighborhood branch library every week during the summers after fifth, sixth and seventh grades, to check out yet another biography. I also enjoyed seeing plays as a kid, and acting in them too sometimes, which is another great way to see the world from another person’s point of view.

I've learned so much from the people I've written about in my books. I hope their stories — and the advice they have for young people — will help you with challenges you might face. Such people as:

** Astonishing dancers from top ballet and modern dance companies, several of whom didn’t have the stereotypical classical ballet body type, but who still managed to find their way to in the world of dance (you can find out about them in MEET THE DANCERS);
** Outstanding musicians of the New York Philharmonic who, amazingly enough, didn't always like to practice when they were kids and have advice for kids today who may feel that way, too (MEET THE MUSICIANS);
** Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and other classical and jazz soloists, many of whom took a while as kids to get into the groove of regular practicing until they discovered for themselves the joy and the fun of music-making (THE YOUNG MUSICIAN'S SURVIVAL GUIDE);
** Gutsy female pilots who flew fighter planes for the Army in World War II when that was definitely not something most people thought a woman should do (YANKEE DOODLE GALS & COUNT ON US);
** A courageous young woman who stood up for her rights at a lonely bus stop in North Carolina back in the summer of 1952, doing her part in the face of grave danger to help bring about the end of the Jim Crow era (TAKE A SEAT-MAKE A STAND);
** Some mighty clever kids who found ways to make homework less of a chore and uncovered the secret to getting a raise in their allowance THE KIDS' ALLOWANCE BOOK & SURVIVING HOMEWORK).

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading this book; it was a library book that I checked out one day (although I would make sure to return it on the right day as well). I must say, The Kids’ Allowance Book sure is quite a good read, as well as very neat and well-written too.

Plus, from my perspective, the chores and allowance for kids is kind of similar to the job and the pay stub for adults; the kids and the adults have to work for the money they get — although I have heard there are some kids and parents who “lock horns” on the issue of whether or not linking allowance to chores is a good idea. However, it’s not just kids and parents who battle over that issue; it also seems parents also fight over allowances too.

Anyway, I like how the Superstar Allowance kids learn from their mistakes with their allowances and do their best at being better with them; also, it is true that most parents (and kids) do forget sometimes when it comes to paying allowances on time (for parents) or reminding parents about allowances (for kids). This is understandable, mostly because parents often have to pay the bills, and kids often have things like homework or tests to study for.

Basically, I give this book five stars (although ten stars would be even better), and I highly recommend it to those who like reading about allowances or books that deal with personal finance as well. 😁

[John Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for kids who either don't have an allowance or want to enhance the one they have. This book is also good for parents who wish to be informed about such topics and will likely take you no time to read.

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not the intended audience for this book but I still didn't like it. Too cheesy and superficial.