Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? A Fast, Clear, and Fun Explanation of the Economics You Need For Success in Your Career, Business, and Investments (An Uncle Eric Book)

I just received this book today and just finished it. I purchased this book to help my son (8 years old) to begin to understand the value of money and economic systems. As an amateur economist and also a financial professional, this is an excellent, simple, and easy to understand book about the basics of money and the laws of supply and demand, which - regardless if we like it or not - drive our economic engine. It has, does, and always will, even if our politicians (and in many cases with the best of intentions) wish to control through price fixing, interest rates, and money supply to help avoid the bursts and bubbles. Unfortunately the over-meddling by our government/s only exacerbates the problem. There is a fine line between regulating and legislation vs. intervention, I would argue (and I believe this book articulates) that the line has blurred and that our government/s have moved into the dangerous realm of intervention that has plagued many civilizations over history.Socialism gives rise under economic stress and also with the best of intentions to help the people and businesses that are struggling. We have breed an entitlement generation, in which people have grown up to believe that everyone is a winner, failure is NOT an option, and that we are entitled to jobs, healthcare, homes, and the American Dream. We are not entitled to anything, but rather have the RIGHT to pursue our dreams.A fun, but excellent quote, by Spock (from Star Trek) right before he gives his life to save the crew is so important and valid as to the problems that plague our government. "Logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few." Yet our own government has ignored this very important point and we have sacrificed the many (through higher taxes and the lapse of many of our personal freedoms) to save the few (unions, special interest, and corporations). If we continue on the path to serve the few and the expense of the many, we will continue not only see our currency devalue (inflate), but also our liberties to erode.This is an excellent and simple book of common sense, but sometimes even knowledgeable and wise adults forget the simple and over complicate issues.This should be recommended reading for every school kid."All paper money returns to its intrinsic value....zero!" - Voltaire

Was not familiar with the author, my 10 year old is suddenly anti-union and espousing libertarian ideas. This book is pretty biased imo. Just know what you’re getting into…

Using LinkedIn I've recently connected with a friend from twenty years ago. We've exchanged some emails and will try to get together when he is back in town. When my friend learned that I had three daughters he recommended several books by Richard J. Maybury. I requested a couple from my library. The first one I got was What Happened To Penny Candy?What Happened To Penny Candy? is a short book of 80 pages. It is a quick read. The book is structured as a set of letters from "Uncle Eric" to his nephew "Chris." In these letters the book explains the basics of economics. It does a good job. Over the last thirty years I've read dozens, maybe even hundreds, of books on economics. This book does a good job of covering the basics. I even learned a few things. For example I didn't realize that the reason quarters and dimes were lined with the little ridges on the side was to show if little pieces were clipped off the coin.Richard Maybury, the author, writes from a strong Libertarian viewpoint. He explains why government manipulation causes problems. Someone who feels government is the solution to economic problems will not enjoy this book.I'll return the book to the library and buy my own copy. I plan to have each of my daughters read this book. It is short enough that they won't fuss too much about having to ready a dry topic. Economics is an important subject, one that I want my daughters to master.

I was hooked on Richard Maybury's series after reading "Are you Liberal or Conservative? Or Confused?" I immediately ordered the entire series and have not regretted it for an instant.I began with number one and moved through them all in the correct order, or at least the recommended order by the author."Let's talk about Personal, Career and Financial Security" was the first and just wet the curiosity. It left you wanting to know more.This book began the meat and potatoes of a series that is easy to read, written on an understandable level for everyone and enlightening to all concerning the many mysteries of historical, economic and governmental issues and interminglings that have to do with social, moral, political and so many other issues.I would recommend this series as a Middle School Required reading text with in depth discussions and working groups for the youth of America to be better informed than they now are about the world and how it all works and fits together.Mr. Maybury's elaboration of the various "Models" that people create for the world they try to live in was a very thought provoking exercise and explained a great deal about the great divide that currently separates the American consciousness.Two down and still batting a thousand. Great job Mr. Maybury.

The author of the book speaks directly to the reader in a very conversational style that is easy to follow and easy to digest. The material is explained clearly enough for an interested jr. high student to understand, or for any average high school student to follow, but without watering down the information. If your middle schooler asks for information on economics, and you're not able to explain it yourself--this book will probably tell them all they want to know. If not, then they will enjoy reading other Uncle Eric books such as Clipper Ship Strategy. If your high schooler needs a jump start to get started studying economics, this is an excellent way to get started. There's nothing scary about this book--Maybury has a talent for teaching "scary, hard" subjects to children in a non-threatening way, and this book is one of his best. With this book under their belt as a primer, high school students should have no fears going into a serious study of economics since they will already have a foundational overview to build on.

Excellent. Some of the context is dated, but the message comes through just as clearly and kept its relevance. Get it for your kids.

Great read, would recommend for anyone looking to educate themselves on basic economics.