When he was younger, my economics son loved the Penny Candy books in the Uncle Eric Series, written by Richard Maybury. These books come from a free market perspective and are politically conservative/libertarian.
Many people use that book with the coordinating workbook for their economics study in high school.
If this seems too basic, or you are interested in digging deeper, my son really loves Economics in One Lesson by Hazlitt.
For my older son, who was not particularly interested in economics, we chose to use the Teaching Company lectures instead. It seemed the least painful way to introduce him to economics. Here is the link for that course:
It’s interesting to note that economics is like politics – books can represent the world view and political persuasion of the author. It can be difficult to find a perspective that matches your own. I’m not sure these books are a “perfect” match for our family, but they definitely worked!
Would you like to get the full story of what I curriculum and books I used with my two boys through high school? Check out my Comprehensive Record Solution. It can help you put together winning records for your own high schooler!
Christianbook.com Curriculum Page
Siri Betcher says:
Alex came up to the microphone at the King County Republican Convention and I recognized his name. I think I startled him when I said that I knew you. I was impressed that he announced his candidacy for a position. Siri
April 12th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Lee says:
Hi Siri! Yes, Alex has been very active in the Republican party, now that he’s 18. He LOVES politics, and is majoring in Political Economy in college. I’m so glad you said hello to him!
Blessings,
Lee
April 13th, 2008 at 6:17 am
whitney Z says:
You didn’t leave the link for the coordinating workbook for the Penny Candy series….Perhaps I can find it at their website? If not, could you send it?
June 21st, 2011 at 10:17 am
Kristin C says:
I’ve been plotting a combo course involving the books you mentioned, and was considering the Teaching Company’s courses as well. Your link didn’t show up. Did you use Economics, 3rd Ed. by Prof. Tim Taylor? And what was the perspective/ angle in that course? Still free market, or more Keynesian? Thanks, Kristin
August 17th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Lee says:
Dear Kristin,
The Teaching Company Economics is definitely Keynesian. The class on the History of Economic Thought is a little more balanced with Austrian economics as well. If you want an Austrian perspective, look at Economics in a Box or Founders Academy or Penny Candy plus workbook. If you are looking for a Keynesian perspective, or want to provide a Keynesian balance to an Austrian emphasis, then the Teaching Company is just great.
Blessings,
Lee
PS. Disclaimer: I don’t actually *know* any of this stuff. I had to ask my son, an “Austrian” who majored in Economics, LOL!
August 17th, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Amy says:
I was just looking for Economics for my 2 11th graders. We started Abeka Economics, and found it to be a bore. I am going to try this book and workbook, it sounds great.
John Stossel also has a new dvd out (Stossel in the Classroom) that we will do as well. Thanks for the on-time tip…
August 17th, 2011 at 7:20 pm