A Quick History of Money: From Cash Cows to Crypto-Currencies (Quick Histories)
Quick Histories Series
What’s inside...
A Quick History of Money is a comprehensive exploration of the origins and evolution of money, covering everything from the earliest cashless societies to modern-day cryptocurrency. The book delves into the history of buying, selling, saving, and stealing, revealing crazy stories and unbelievable facts. It explains key concepts like interest, stocks, shares, and wealth inequality, and discusses the various forms of currency used throughout history, including unusual items like four-tonne stones, teacups, and beaver pelts. The book also examines historical money mistakes, ways money might change in the future, and offers tips for smart saving and spending. A quiz at the end of the book tests readers' knowledge, making this an informative and entertaining read for anyone curious about the role of money in society.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways money has changed over time and how do you think it might change in the future?
Why do you think people started using money instead of trading goods directly?
Can you think of any pros and cons of using digital money, like cryptocurrencies, compared to traditional cash?
How do you think money affects the way people live and work together in societies?
What would you do if you had to create your own form of currency? What would it look like and what would you call it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own experiences with money, such as your first savings or how you used to trade or barter before digital payments.
Encourage your child to draw or create their own money, discussing what value it might hold and why.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance and role of trust in the use of money, exploring different cultures and historical periods.
Challenge your child to think about the impact of money on daily life choices, such as spending, saving, and sharing with others.
Discuss the ethical considerations and responsibilities that come with different forms of money, stimulating critical thinking about fairness and access.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of money
Explanation: The book explains the evolution of money from barter systems to digital currencies, illustrating its importance in society.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by understanding the concept of saving and spending wisely in their daily activities, such as deciding when to spend their allowances.
Example Lesson: Economic responsibility
Explanation: Through the history of different currencies, the book teaches about economic fluctuations and the impact of financial decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the significance of budgeting and making responsible financial choices, such as saving part of their pocket money for future needs.
Example Lesson: Technological advancements
Explanation: The transition from physical money to cryptocurrencies showcases the role of technology in transforming societies.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and stay curious about technological innovations and how they shape everyday life, encouraging them to keep learning about new tools and methods.
Example Lesson: Global interconnectivity
Explanation: The book covers the global impact of currencies and how they link different countries economically.
Real-World Application: This enlightens children on the interconnected nature of the world, promoting an understanding of how economic actions in one part of the world can affect others globally.