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
2024 Librarian Winner Margo Jantzi, Pleasant Valley Elem.
I’m thrilled that our students’ enthusiasm for Reading Makes Cents helped us earn this honor. We’re grateful for the generous book prize and look forward to selecting new titles for our library.
2024 Librarian Winner Megan Sawyers, Ferrum Elementary
What a victory for our little school library! The children are going to love the new books!
2024 Librarian Winner Kelly Chavis, Appomattox Primary
It has been such a joy to use the VA 529 scholarship to place $500 worth of new books on our shelves this year. There is nothing more rewarding than building a love for reading in our students and watching their excitement as they discover new stories and adventures.
2024 Librarian Winner Kelly Machovec, Westridge Elementary
Our Westridge Knights love diving into the Reading Makes Cents program with courage and curiosity—because great readers become great financial leaders!