Book Review: Poor Economics for Kids by Esther Duflo and Cheyenne Olivier
Print length – 381 pages
Publisher – Juggernaut
First Published – July 2024
Rethinking poverty and ways to end it
Poor Economics for Kids is a delightful and intellectual book to read for anyone who wants to understand poverty and its impacts like a layman. In a world where information can be limited to certain like-minded groups, understanding complex topics like the economic impact of poverty is of utmost importance.
Poor Economics is tailored for young readers and is the brainchild of Esther Duflo who won the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economics along with her husband Abhijit Banerjee and Michael Kremer “for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty”.
Complex topics such as healthcare, poverty, politics and education have been portrayed with stories and illustrations by Cheyenne Olivier, who is an illustrator based in France. Each chapter revolves around one child. This helps the readers empathize with them, while learning about the challenges of poverty.
Book Review: Poor Economics for Kids
What I really like is how Esther has made complex economic notions tangible. The simple language helps readers understand concepts of opportunity cost, incentives, etc. Esther also highlights the role of innovation and small, evidence-based mediations in improving lives. For example, the importance of introducing free meals in schools has been discussed and it would help in increasing attendance. Similarly, microloans would help families start their home-grown businesses. These stories, I feel will have an influential impact on young minds to think of creative solutions for big problems.
Another standout feature of the book would be its vibrant illustrations. The characters are from diverse cultural backgrounds. This fosters a sense of global awareness and empathy. Poor Economics for Kids could be a useful tool for parents and teachers to use in guiding conversations regarding poverty, inequality and social responsibility.
Throughout the book the stories by Esther Duflo emphases on critical thinking and empathy. Instead of presenting poverty as a distant issue, it encourages the readers to look at it as solvable problems. This approach will educate the children and adults to think of themselves as global citizens who can bring about a positive change in the world.
One of the children featured in the book is Nilou, a young girl from a small village who dreams of going to school but is faced with challenges. Her story tells us how economically backward families have to prioritize immediate needs over education. This highlights how important access to certain resources like free meals, and scholarships can be in determining a child’s future in education.
Although it is a children’s book, but I think it should be read by children and adults alike.
Book#: 290
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