This book is designed for young children, specifically 1st-3rd graders

A very special thank you to Professor Kwon, Yongmin Kim, and Camille Wiggins

This book is for Luna and her doll, Sadie. Here's to the many memories you'll make.

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/addxmjsh3vr2

Preface

Consumer culture has targeted the cost of raising a child and how much is spent on them. Surveys have shown that kids want too many materialistic things, which in turn makes the parent to spend more money. Children's wants and purchases can lead to a sense of "belonging." Feeling "left out:" or not apart of a group play on the emotions of parents to provide them with what they want. Within "Ambivalence and Allowances" by Allison Pugh said upper-income parents, who are financially stable, instituted rules and allowances that meet the child's needs, while teaching about money and consumption. Upper-income parents did not want to spoil their kids, but wanted to exercise restraint. Symbolic derivation was a practice higher income families displayed, this seemed to work best for their respective statues. Parents' emotions come into play with them not wanted their children to feel left out or disappointed. Teaching children the best way about consumption was different between higher and lower income families.

Hi! My name is Luna and this is my mom Vanessa!

I really want an American Girl Doll, but they are really expensive. Let's ask my mom and see what she says!

Hey mom! I was wondering if I can get an American Girl Doll! They are only $100!

Oh sweetheart.....

I am a pediatrician, so that means Luna and I live on a really stable income. I want to teach Luna that she has to work for things she wants and not be spoiled. What is my next step?

Yes, but you have to help pay for it! I will pay for one half and you will pay for the other!

What?

Mom that's not fair! All the other girls in my class just get them! You're so mean!!!!

Jeez, that did not go well. I don't want Luna to be upset with me, but I can't just give her the doll. How do I make this work for both of us?

I really want this doll. I am the only one in class that doesn't have one.

Luna feels disappointed because she cannot get the doll. She doesn't want to get picked on my the other girls in class. Luna knows she doesn't have money, so she is feeling down.