Books About Financial Difficulty

The Best Financial Difficulty Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about financial difficulty? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

What Is Given from the Heart
Hosea Plays On
The Curious Cat Spy Club
As Big as the Sky
The Shortlist

Our 6 Favorite Books About Financial Difficulty

What Is Given from the Heart
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

What Is Given from the Heart

By Patricia C. McKissack, April Harrison (Illustrator)

A young boy helps his mother put together a care package for a family in need, and finds a way to give something special to a girl his age.

Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award (2020)
32 pages· 1,095 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 1,193 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: James Otis faces a dilemma when his church collects donations for a family who lost everything in a fire. With little to give, he must find a way to contribute to the 'love box.' As he searches for something meaningful, James learns a powerful lesson about the true value of giving from the heart. Will he discover that even the smallest gesture can make a big difference? This touching tale of compassion and generosity will warm your heart and inspire you to see the beauty in selfless acts.
Ada's Violin
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

Ada's Violin

By Susan Hood, Sally Wern Comport (Illustrator)

A landfill town's children create music from trash, transforming their lives and spreading hope worldwide.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2017)Americas Award (2017)
40 pages· 1,265 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,153 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: In a Paraguayan town built on a landfill, young Ada Ríos dreams of playing the violin. With no money for instruments, hope seems lost until music teacher Favio Chávez arrives. He crafts violins from trash, sparking a musical revolution. As the Recycled Orchestra gains global attention, Ada and her community discover the power of innovation and resilience. Can music truly change lives? Explore the journey of a girl, a visionary, and an orchestra that defies the odds.
Hosea Plays On
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 3–9 · 2020

Hosea Plays On

By Kathleen M. Blasi, Shane W. Evans (Illustrator)

A musician's daily bus ride reveals a heartwarming secret purpose behind his soulful tunes.

32 pages· 559 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 88 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Summary: Hosea Taylor, a charismatic saxophonist, rides the Number 42 bus daily to share his music with the city. As he plays, smiles spread, a little girl dances, and crowds gather. But what is the true purpose behind his melodies? Discover the touching secret that drives Hosea's generosity and the joy he brings to his community. This true story captures the spirit of a man whose music transcends notes, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he meets. Uncover the surprise that reveals the heart of Hosea's mission.
The Curious Cat Spy Club
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2015

The Curious Cat Spy Club

By Linda Joy Singleton · The Curious Cat Spy Club series

Three unlikely friends form a secret club to solve animal mysteries.

256 pages· 42,459 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 286 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Summary: Kelsey, Becca, and Leo are an unexpected trio, united by a daring rescue of kittens from a dumpster. As they bond over their shared love for animals, they form a secret club dedicated to solving animal-related mysteries. Their first adventure involves catching a runaway zorse, blending their unique skills to tackle challenges. Can this unlikely friendship thrive as they navigate school and secret missions? Discover the excitement and camaraderie as they embark on their mission to protect and help animals in need.
As Big as the Sky
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–18 · 2020

As Big as the Sky

By Carolyn Rose, Elizabeth Zunon (Illustrator)

Separated siblings find hope in generosity and dreams of reunion.

40 pages
4.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 25 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Summary: In a Malawian village, Prisca's world changes when her brother Caleb leaves for school. Desperate to see him again, she tries selling crafts, but faces rejection. Yet, Prisca's unwavering kindness might just bridge the distance between them. Can her dreams of reuniting with Caleb come true?
Those Shoes
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2007

Those Shoes

By Maribeth Boelts, Noah Z. Jones (Illustrator)

A young boy tries to get a pair of shoes he really wants, but they are too expensive, so he and his grandma try to find a cheaper alternative.

40 pages· 969 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 4,107 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Summary: Jeremy dreams of owning the trendy shoes everyone at school wears, but his grandma can't afford them. When he finds a pair at a thrift shop, they're too small, yet he buys them anyway. As he struggles with sore feet, Jeremy discovers the warmth of his boots, his grandma's love, and the joy of helping a friend are far more valuable than fitting in. Will Jeremy realize what truly matters before it's too late?
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