Need help teaching a teen girl to manage her money? This book may be the key

When I handed the book to my 13-year-old daughter, Olivia, she groaned. Of course that's the reaction I get from her on just about anything these days. She seesaws from the charming girl I knew and loved just before she turned 13 to this eye-rolling, moody person I hardly recognize.

So it was with much trepidation that I asked Olivia to help me review a 96-page book about money aimed at teen girls.

So thank you, Olivia, for reading - under duress - "The Teen Girl's Gotta-Have-It Guide to Money" ($8.95), by Jessica Blatt with Variny Paladino.

Blatt is the author of a series of teen books targeted at girls. She also writes for CosmoGIRL! and Seventeen. Paladino is a financial consultant for PBS's "MoneyTrack." She has also served as director of the American Savings Education Council.

This book is packed with information. It has interactive exercises that explain basic financial terms and concepts, job-hunting tips, and a good section on how the stock market works. It's well illustrated with cartoon-like pictures and cutesy, colorful graphics throughout.

Blatt and Paladino hooked me with the first paragraph: "When it comes to money, the most powerful four-letter word you can learn isn't an obscene one. It's save."

Oh how I love that word.

But what did Olivia think?

Well, first I had to hunt her down and take the telephone out of her hands to get her opinion. "I thought it was a good book," she said. "I liked that it had activities, a word search, and quizzes."

For a second, I thought she might be patronizing me. But she wasn't.

"If I was going through the bookstore and saw it, I'd probably pick it up even though it's not typically what I lean toward," Olivia said.

Although the book is written in McNugget-type chunks, it isn't a dumb-downed talk about money.

"The stuff in the book is a lot simpler than other things you see about money," Olivia said. "The book breaks things down and puts it in steps rather than throwing it all out there at you."

That last sentence was aimed at me. Ouch! I do lecture Olivia too much about money. Still, I was pleased the book helped emphasize certain points, without the parental droning. "I get now why you think credit is evil," my daughter said.

She also thought the Money Mishaps chapter was helpful. The chapter lists various scenarios and explains how to get through the tough money moments that can scar a kid. For example, the authors advise teens on how to handle teasing if they wear off-brand clothes.

"It takes strength and courage to ignore bullies, and it will be hard - especially if, deep down, you would like to have brand-name styles. But know this: While brand-name luxuries can make you feel good for a fleeting moment, you don't need them."

If you're having a hard time getting through to your teen about money, give her this book.

Michelle Singletary is a columnist for The Washington Post. She can be reached at singletarym@washpost.com.