This article was written by Kim Asarta.
Elementary students spent the school year learning to see their futures through a new lens, one shaped by curiosity, conversation, and community. Their journey began with One Book One School, the University of Delaware’s Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship (CEEE) initiative. The program introduces young readers to financial concepts through age-appropriate stories that are shared school-wide and at home.
This year’s initiative brought over 430 books to Shortlidge Academy and Serviam Academy, featuring Granny’s Vintage Camera by Jasmine Paul and Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid by Mikaila Ulmer. The initiative was made possible by the Delaware Council on Economic Education, with very generous support from the TD Charitable Foundation.
At Shortlidge, Granny’s Vintage Camera sparked real conversations about choices, values, and dreams. Through the metaphor of a grandmother’s camera, students discovered that by changing the lens they use to view the world, they could find new ways to save, spend, and set goals. The story built on momentum from last year’s program, when students read Paul’s The Boy, the Budget, and the Dream, laying the foundation for school-wide conversations around money and decision-making.
“The One Book, One School program helped us connect learning in our school and the community by providing every student and teacher copies of the books,” the school’s reading specialist Chris Moyer said. “Students enjoyed reading the book in class with their teachers and classmates and then took it home to share with their families, fostering a sense of shared learning across the entire school. All of the students working on the same earning and saving project brought the concepts to life and brought us together as a community.”
Inspired by the story’s themes, students set a collective goal to save $500 in “Shortlidge Dollars,” their school’s own classroom currency, to purchase a classroom camera. To celebrate their efforts, Shortlidge welcomed Jasmine Paul for a special author visit. She kicked off the day with a spirited game of “Higher or Lower,” based on The Price is Right, challenging second-grade students to think critically about the price of everyday items. Paul then posed a bigger question: “What is money?” Without hesitation, the students replied, “Money is used to save and buy!”
During her visit, Paul encouraged students to stay curious and persistent, sharing that she began writing when she was just six years old. She also introduced them to her personal motto: “Practice makes progress,” a reminder that growth comes through effort, whether learning to write, save money, or building dreams. “I want to inspire young people to dream big, be themselves, and build wealth,” Paul shared. “I want kids to be comfortable having healthy money conversations in every book, learning resource, workshop, and curriculum I design.”
At Serviam Academy, students found their own inspiration through Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid. Reading about Mikaila Ulmer’s journey as a young entrepreneur encouraged them to dream boldly, think creatively, and imagine futures built on perseverance and passion.
The One Book, One School program continues to grow under the leadership of Dr. Bonnie Meszaros, CEEE’s Elementary School Program Coordinator. Her dedication to early economic education has prepared thousands of young learners across Delaware.
“My hope is that by using engaging, age-appropriate children’s literature that resonates with young children, they learn basic personal finance concepts at an early age,” Meszaros said. “These concepts can then be built upon as students move through the grades. Ultimately, my goal is for children to become prudent spenders and savers who make informed choices.
By exploring stories, setting shared goals, and building a supportive community, students at Shortlidge and Serviam are capturing their futures–one frame and one dream at a time.