The Story of Money [Hardcover]

Betsy Maestro (Author), Giulio Maestro (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 1993 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

A history of money, beginning with the barter system in prehistoric times, to the first use of coins and paper money, to the development of the modern monetary system.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This prolific team tackles the advent of legal tender and a mini-history of economics in their latest picture book. The concept of barter is introduced and then shown evolving into the modern practice of trading money for goods and services. Currency's physical development is also chronicled, from Native American wampum to Spanish "pieces of eight" to various European precious metal coins and printed paper bills. Although the text contains a vast array of factoids, their presentation lacks style and excitement. The dry, straightforward sentence structure fails to illuminate this topic's potentially engrossing aspects. Giulio Maestro's detailed, historically accurate illustrations, rendered in muted pencil, watercolor and crayon, prove serviceable without adding much spark. This volume will be useful in classrooms and libraries for its noteworthy effort to place a concept within historical contexts. Ages 7-10.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A windfall for whole-language classrooms and for nonfiction pleasure readers." School Library Journal, Starred

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (March 22, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395562422
• ISBN-13: 978-0395562420
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,421,778 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Betsy Maestro is the author of the "American Story" series, illustrated by her husband, Giulio. She has also written several other non-fiction picture books, including the Let's-Read-And-Find-Out science books How Do Apples Grow? and Why Do Leaves Change Color?
The Maestros live in Old Lyme, Connecticut.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview, May 13, 2009

By 

Greenbyoo - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Story of Money (Paperback)

The history of money is a huge topic, and this book provides a great overview of the transition from hunting and gathering, to bartering and trade, to different types of currency, to the electronic transactions of today. My kids found the illustrations of ancient coins and paper money really interesting. There are three pages of additional information in the back of the book, including some facts about very unusual money. (I'm not sure why that info wasn't just included in the book; maybe the author felt it would distract from the general story?) I would give this book 5 stars but the text is just a bit dry and repetitive in places. It's independent reading for 2nd grade or above, but younger kids would enjoy hearing it too.

15 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wow..it is a good book!, March 3, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Story of Money (Paperback)

This story is about the history of money. It was kind of interesting because it tells in long time ago how they got foods without money. Also, it tells how money started. The book explained how money is made and now how it is use. I like this book because before I read this book I wondered what money is made of. Well, I thought it was going to be a little bit boring, but it was ok. I want to recommend this book to students who like history books and also who are interested in money.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for young kids!, February 12, 2012

By 

Aimee Elizabeth "Author of Poverty Sucks! How... (Las Vegas, NV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Story of Money (Paperback)

This is a great teaching tool on the history of money, the concept of money and the value of money. A good place to start with young children.

- Aimee Elizabeth, Author of Poverty Sucks! How to Become a Self-Made Millionaire.