Best used as a tool for teaching finance basics, The Golden Quest still contains valuable lessons for young readers. The most powerful rule of Delisle’s four golden rules is the first–only buy the awesome stuff. That chapter includes important discussion of how “the awesome stuff” isn’t always a thing but rather could also be an experience or a pet. As the narrative functions as a vehicle for the financial information rather than an organic story in its own right, the story’s fantasy aspects are downplayed, often just a means to an end. Readers meet the boy on his birthday, but there’s no clear indication as to his age, which is indicative of the uncertain age range for this book’s intended audience, as topics like compound interest and investing in stocks and bonds are complex, even for adults.
Still, The Golden Quest is a great way to start meaningful conversations about money with kids and provides them with a foundation of basic knowledge and vocabulary that can be built upon as they get older. The Golden Quest turns a potentially intimidating topic into an inviting, informative adventure.
Takeaway: Young readers will delight and be informed by this unique graphic novel that teaches the basics of finances.
Great for fans of: Jasmine Paul’s A Boy, A Budget, and A Dream, Walter Andal’s Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
