Economics: A Free Market Reader

by Jane A. Williams (Editor), Kathryn Daniels (Editor)

A good understanding of free market economics may be gained by reading the articles in "Economics: A Free Market Reader" and completing the accompanying study questions and answers. "Economics: A Free Market Reader" includes a selection of articles that originally appeared in "The Freeman," a monthly study journal published by The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE). "Economics: A Free Market Reader" includes two types of study questions. Prior to each article the "What Do You Think?" questions should be answered based on the reader's current knowledge and/or opinion of the topic. These answers should be revisited after reading the article to see if the perspective/knowledge base of the student has changed. Following each article are "Thought Questions" which are designed to facilitate student-teacher discussion, and to enhance the student's understanding and appreciation of the subject matter.

"Economics: A Free Market Reader" makes a wonderful economics study book for students of all ages, and is a highly recommended supplement to "A Bluestocking Guide: Economics," which is the student study guide for Richard J. Maybury's book "Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?" (both books also available through Amazon.com)

Contents: 1. Publisher s Note 2. How to Use This Book 3. A King of Long Ago 4. Not Yours to Give 5. How Much Money? 6. Eternal Love 7. Back to Gold? 8. Not Worth a Continental 9. The Gold Problem 10. Jobs for All 11. Competition, Monopoly, the Role of Government 12. The Broken Window 13. Food from Thought 14. Million Dollar Dream 15. The Candlemakers Petition Answers to Thought Questions

Genres: Economics, School, Read For School

127 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2004

Reviews

[Bodie Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

For school. Some chapters were ok, while others were terrible.

[Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book uses stories, analogies, and clear-cut arguments to talk about economics in an extraordinarily fresh, persuasive, and easy to understand way.

[American Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this was recommended by the Uncle Eric books, it's not as accessible or enjoyable as the Uncle Eric Books. However, it's still worth reading for the valuable economic insights. How I wish our congressmen and president would read this book.

[Danielle Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice assortment of articles to push you to think about various angles of economics.

[Evelynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I can't really judge this book as I'm not an economics expert, I have to say the only two things that kept me from saying I didn't like this book were the chapters "Eternal Love" and "Food From Thought." I was astounded they had anything good to say about Mrs. Ellen G. White, which also saved this book from getting a lower rating from me.

Now, as to why I rated this book so low: This book was written about economics to teach high schoolers who don't know much about economics, right? I have to say that I am definitely one of those high schoolers who doesn't know much about economics, and it didn't do me much good. Quite a bit of the wording, terms, and vocabulary went over my head, and I'd say I have an above-average vocabulary. What I did understand was the stuff from the chapters I liked, and the vocabulary that Richard J. Maybury's book Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? had already introduced to me.

I would recommend this book to high schoolers and up who already know quite a bit about economics, or who have already read Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?.

Please don't let my review keep you from reading this book; it just wasn't for me.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for Econ class. It was an interesting little book, I really enjoyed the insights in brought, despite the varied reading levels. The "Food From Thought," was a very intriguing section.