First Bank Account and First Investment Smarts explains the fundamental steps for opening and managing a bank account, discusses different types of investing options, and provides advice on how to make informed decisions about investing money. It includes several screen shots one might encounter while banking online and provides definitions for many financial and economic terms and concepts. The author is a well-known expert in the field of banking. There are simple instructions for writing a check and complicated ones involving investment analysis. The book is intended for the upper elementary/middle school crowd, but a bit of this information may be over their heads even when simplified. Older students and adults with limited reading skills may also find this guide helpful and easy to use. First Budget Smarts discusses ways for teenagers to budget, including advice on how to earn and manage money, spend conservatively, and save for the future. Careful credit card use, access to online consumer protection services, avoidance of fees, and creating a savings account are covered in a clear, down-to-earth style. The author also is an expert in the field. Each volume in this series makes use of vivid, colorful graphics, lots of photographs, sample forms, a clear text, and provides up-to-date information that includes use of the Internet. Other book topics in the series include apartment, job, credit, and car smarts. Life skills manuals are always a valuable addition to the young adult collection and this one is well-presented.ùKevin Beach.