Building reading skills, introducing money-smart habits early.
Reading Makes Cents is a free reading program that helps Virginia’s K–8 students build smart money habits for life.
Through engaging books, ready-to-use lesson plans and fun activities, students explore key financial literacy concepts (aligned with Virginia’s Standards of Learning) while discovering the joy of reading.
Reading Makes Cents for everyone
For Librarians
Receive three free, library-bound books and lesson plans
Motivate student readers with a chance to win a $529 contribution to an education savings account
Compete regionally for a chance to earn your school $500 in free financial literacy books
For Parents
Support your child’s Reading Challenge and help them learn real-world money skills
Reinforce classroom learning with fun, family-friendly activities that meet Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs)
Students could win one of 14 $529 contributions to an Invest529 savings account
2025-2026 Librarian Winner Andrea Adkins, Cumberland Elementary
This program is such a great way to encourage students to think about money differently. Through reading stories together we were able to talk about the struggles of different inventors and entrepreneurs and see how despite hardships and setbacks they persevered and succeeded. I loved using the program with my students.
2025-2026 Librarian Winner Megan Sawyers, Ferrum Elementary
What a victory for our little school library! The children are going to love the new books!
2025-2026 Librarian Winner Gigi Kay, Piney Branch Elementary
"There is not such thing as a child who hates to read; there are only children who have not found the right book.” - Frank Serafini
2025-2026 Librarian Winner Kathleen Biggers, Buckingham County Primary
Books help us explore places and things that we may never experience on our own!