Texts teach life skills to children

Award-winning black educator and children’s book author, Renaee Smith has donated thousands of books to children locally, nationally, and internationally, including in countries like Jamaica and Ghana.

This has been done through her own non-profit, independent authors book experience.

Smith, who lives in Union County, New Jersey in the United States, in her newest book, Freddie Learns the Value of Money, takes young readers on a financial literacy journey with the main character, Freddie, as he learns how to budget and save money to purchase a new bicycle.

BOOK SHOWS CHILDREN HOW TO HANDLE FUNDS

Freddie Learns the Value of Money, a short story written for children ages 6 to 12, is part of a five-book series helping children develop an understanding of hard work, family values, giving back to the community, and helping the environment.

The book shows children how to handle funds, as well as exposes how easy it can be to be tempted to spend while trying to reach your goals.

“I model Freddie after my three sons, who while all grown up, will always be little boys in my heart,” said Smith.

“I wanted to make sure that I feature a Black boy as the main character so that they can see themselves in my books. I also made sure to include multicultural characters as well. Representation is so important, and I hope that in incorporating a variety of backgrounds in my stories, I am doing my part to leave a positive legacy for my children and grandchildren.”

Financial literacy has declined across the United States, according to a study released by the Ohio State University. The federal government has worked to increase awareness of this life skill, including establishing the Financial Literacy and Education Commission under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003.