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Money Trouble book cover

Money Trouble

by Larry Dane Brimner

Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media 2002

Great fit for 1st grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

1st grade English
32
Pages
0.5
AR Points
6m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Realistic Fiction

Themes

  • money management
  • responsibility
  • problem-solving
  • choices and consequences
  • perseverance
  • family and school life

About this book

A young child runs into money problems and learns simple ways to save, spend wisely, and make choices. With everyday situations kids recognize—like wanting to buy something special—this easy reader shows how planning and patience can solve ‘money trouble.’ Short sentences, supportive pictures, and a relatable storyline make it a confidence-building read for newly independent readers. Perfect for classroom or home discussions about needs, wants, and responsibility.

Setting: contemporary home and school

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Money Trouble right for my child?

Yes — Money Trouble is a great fit for 1st grade. The reading level is AR 1.8, which is typical for 1st grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include money management, responsibility, problem-solving.

How long does it take to read Money Trouble?

At a typical 1st grade reading pace, Money Trouble takes around 6m to finish. The book has 500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Money Trouble have an AR quiz?

Yes — Money Trouble has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Money Trouble?

Money Trouble has an AR reading level of 1.8, which places it at a 1st grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.