Book Review — Striker Jones : Elementary Economics for Elementary Detectives

Although few academics would want to acknowledge this, economics is, at bottom, about human behavior:  rational humans respond to incentives and shy away from disincentives.  If you understand that, you’re more than halfway to understanding the marketplace.

Maggie Larche does understand the human connection to economic behavior, and she also understands that it’s never too early to start teaching children the logical outcomes of their decision and behavior.  To this end, she’s written a perfect book for older elementary to younger middle school aged children: Striker Jones: Elementary Economics For Elementary Detectives, Second Edition.  (There’s also a teacher’s companion book, which you can find here.)In several short, enjoyable chapters, Striker Jones amazes his friends by solving a series of mysteries.  Striker has two advantages that his friends do not have:  he pays attention and he understands those basic economic principles of incentives and disincentives.

If you would like to give your child an easy, fun introduction to economics, one that counters the fantasy numbers and plans that Progressives generate and that they teach in schools, I highly recommend this book.

Also, if you’re interested in helping Maggie share with a wider audience her ideas about teaching economics to children, check out her Kickstarter page.