Libertarian Book Recommendations for Kids

Yesterday, I sent out this request for help, given my ignorance of the question posed to me.

Today, I’ve had quite a response. I thank all who have helped me out on this. But, please, “no mas!” I think we have now amassed enough suggestions, some of it a bit repetitive, but thanks again. I’m sure Alvin and his kids will greatly benefit.

From: Charles Hanes

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 2:52 PM

To: [email protected]

Subject: What about the Connor Boyack series The Tuttle Twins?

Walter,

Connor Boyack has been a frequent guest on the Tom Woods show, here is an Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/Tuttle-Twins-Set-8/dp/B07PRNJFKL/

These books are designed for youngsters with definite libertarian messages, in many cases keying off well-known libertarian books.

-Charles Hanes

[email protected]

P. S. It was nice to see you in San Francisco at the debate with Robert Wenzel. -C

From: roydrake

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 2:11 PM

To: [email protected]

Subject: Query help

https://mises.org/library/incredible-bread-machine

From: Scott Tibbetts

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 1:21 PM

To: [email protected]

Subject: Books for young libertatians

https://www.bluestockingpress.com/whatever-happened-penny-candy.htm

Richard J. Maybury has many books for that age  about liberty, but this is the one that opened my eyes to what money is.

This was part of a homeschool curriculum for young teens, but I was the one who was hooked!

After reading this, I saw the world completely different.  I think his other books would be worth reading as well.

Scott Tibbetts

From: Dominick Armentano

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 12:31 PM

To: [email protected]

Subject: Books for Teens

I think that young teens are probably not (yet) ready for any serious discussion of libertarianism, even at a basic level. My recommendation would be to recommend a work of fiction where the principles of individualism and integrity are made explicit through plot and the action of heroes.  And without question, Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead” is the one and only choice. It’s what started me and many others on the road to liberty.

Best to you Walter,

Dom Armentano

From: Jason B

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 12:31 PM

To: [email protected]

Subject: Libertarian books for kids

Good morning Mr. Block,

I believe I have exactly what Alvin may be looking for.

I imagine you may be familiar, but probably 10-15 years ago, I had received a recommendation from my friend to read a series of books by Richard Maybury, which I found to be must reads for anyone just learning about libertarian thinking.  These books are written in such a simple, easy to understand manner, and are even written in a format as if “Uncle Eric” is presenting to his own niece or nephew.   Any teen just learning, will learn the fundamentals of money, law, history, and why it is so important to understand in today’s world.  I strongly recommend beginning with “What Ever Happened to Penny Candy” and “What Ever Happened to Justice” and then proceeding with all of his history books from “Ancient Rome” through “ World War II and What it Means Today”

I recommend these books for anybody, adult or young teen, and my sons will be reading those in the coming years.l

https://www.bluestockingpress.com/uncle-eric-books.htm

Yours,

Jason

From: David Lewis

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 12:20 PM

To: [email protected]

Subject: Re: Libertarian books for kids and teens

I’m sure you’re aware of and will be recommended several non-fiction books appropriate for a younger audience.  I thought I would add some of my favorite libertarianesque novels that the younger set could read.

The Walton Street Tycoons

Pallas

The Probability Broach

North to Freedom, aka I Am David

(https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/north-to-freedom)

Anything that has won the Prometheus Award:

http://lfs.org/awards.shtml

Please don’t forget to post your final short list on LRC!  I’m interested to see others’ recommendations.

Regards,

David Lewis, long time fan

From: Chuck LeBer

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 12:01 PM

To: [email protected]

Subject: Books for young libertarians

Dr. Block,

I believe the best books for future libertarians is the Harry Potter series.

If you have not read or listened to them here is what they promulgate:

1. There are evil people in power for its own sake.

2. Family is important.

3. Gold is money.

4. Good triumphs over evil.

5. Hard work pays off.

Chuck LeBer

From: Jim

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 11:55 AM

To: [email protected]

Subject: Libertarian books for teens

Not sure if this is useful, but I did find a link, in case nobody already pointed you to it.

https://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2017/01/books-liberty-oriented-economics-young-people.html

Enjoy.

Jim

From: mike carl

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 11:48 AM

To: Dr. Block <[email protected]>

Subject: Libertarian Literature

Hey Doc-

Let them hone their grammar, spelling, and reading skills on good old fiction. Here are what a few others recommend.

https://www.artforliberty.com/best-free-libertarian-novels/

http://www.andersmonsen.com/50-works-of-fiction-libertarians-should-read/

Education comes in many forms.

From: Barbara & Don Buckler

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 11:44 AM

To: [email protected]

Subject: Libertarian books for teens?

Not sure if these are the best books , but they got me started way back in my murky past.

Anthem by Ayn Rand, restoring the American Dream and looking out for #1 by Robert Ringer and then there is the free to choose series  by Milton Freedman still on utube , a day in the life of Ivan Denisovich by the author who’s name I can’t spell…Also I would recommend the recorded lectures and talks by Ralph Rayco and Butler Schafer at the Mises web site. While some of these are not strictly libertarian , I think they point in that direction and I think are accessible to younger and hopefully still open minds.

Best regards

D. Buckler

From: teddy.johnson122060

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 11:43 AM

To: [email protected]

Subject: I Need Help In Answering This Query

Walter,

Tell him that the kids need to begin with God’s word.

If they are not reading the Bible then it will not matter what they read.

Teddy

From: Kyle Fellhoelter

Sent: Monday, July 13, 2020 11:36 AM

To: [email protected]

Subject: Libertarian books for kids and teens.

Dr. Block,

My wife and I homeschool our kids. They all love the following books.

Kids

* I, Pencil – Leonard E. Reed

* The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible – Ken Schoolland

Teens

* Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? – Richard J. Maybury

* Why Government Doesn’t Work – Harry Browne

There are more, but the four mentioned set a solid foundation.

I hope this is helpful.

Kyle

Walter E. Block, Ph.D.

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4:54 pm on July 13, 2020