paper 0-8027-7532-2 A completely charming discussion of allowances for kids, covering how to get one, how much to receive, whether allowances should be tied to chores, how to get paid on time, how to get a raise, and how to hang on to the cash and make the most of it. Nathan surveyed 166 kids from ages 9—14 who all receive allowances: “An allowance makes me feel like I don’t have to depend on my parents for everything,” “it makes me feel more grown up,” “an allowance makes saving easier,” and “isn’t it better to learn with small sums than to goof up big time with big bucks later?” They also found that learning to negotiate with their parents over money taught them skills for “all the conversations on other issues that come up between parents and kids.” By bringing the comments together and supplying her own wisdom, too, Nathan makes the subject of money open and manageable. With charts from Zillions and Nickelodeon surveys, and illustrated with comic cartoons throughout, this self-help manual communicates some of life’s important skills in a way that is fun and practical. (Nonfiction. 8-12)
