Gr 10 Up—Deciding what to do after high school is a daunting, stressful task for older teens, making any resource that offers guidance on the process worth a look. This one attempts to do just that, providing readers with a nonjudgmental view into the myriad choices they can make, from higher education to future careers and the many steps and funds necessary to get there. This short, easily digestible book examines why and how a student might choose between getting a diploma or a GED, or pursue a college education, trade school, or apprenticeship. Half of the content covers finances—an essential topic for this phase of life—particularly student loans and the expenses that arise when new adults are fiscally responsible for themselves for the first time. Educators might suggest this volume to teens as a jumping-off point to further research the possible paths and financial expectations of their impending adulthood. While this title covers the basics of the post-high school years, it inspires nearly as many questions as it answers. Back matter includes a glossary and a list of books and websites for further reading. VERDICT A slim volume tackling a huge topic that nonetheless offers helpful advice to teens planning their future.—Alexandra Quay

School Library Journal

Teens will learn how to manage credit cards and other forms of debt in this practical book from the Fund Your Future series (4 titles). Over the course of six well-organized chapters, the text explains the what and why of debt, its advantages and disadvantages, loans (plus loan interest), and credit scores. While the stock photos don’t add much, the inclusion of statistics and informational tables are quite useful in breaking down core concepts and drawing comparisons among different types of debt and credit lines. Frequent lists and tips also help parse the topics into manageable chunks. Readers will find suggestions for ways to safely build credit without going into debt and ways to repair credit. This helpful primer for financial literacy includes source notes and a well-curated further-­reading list.