Former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair and FoolProofMe Partner to Offer Free Books to Schools

The FoolProof Foundation and former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair today announced that they have donated over 16,000 Money Tales books to Title 1 schools throughout the country. The books, authored by Bair and published by Albert Whitman & Co, consist of magical tales, told in rhyming verse, that introduce elementary school children to money basics. The eight books in the series deal with topics such as the importance of savings and thoughtful spending, as well as financial risks such as over-borrowing, speculation, and financial scams.

"I am grateful to the FoolProof Foundation and our many friends and sponsors who have given generously to make these donations possible," said Bair.

FoolProof Director of Education Mike Sheffer added "Sheila's Money Tales are great resources for elementary school teachers and libraries. They align with FoolProof's core messaging, to be a critical thinker, be a healthy skeptic and rely on research when it comes to your money decisions." Sheffer continued, "Money Tales makes these core concepts relatable to elementary students, so they can make informed money decisions now and in their future money lives."

The Money Tales books are used in FoolProof's Bright Financial Futures program which recruits high school students to teach financial lessons in elementary schools. High school students participating in the program read and discuss Money Tales books with the younger children and also develop games and teaching supplements to help them understand financial concepts.

Over 100,000 Money Tales books have been sold worldwide and have been translated into five different languages. During the past two years, Bair has participated in 52 virtual, in-person, and streaming events at schools in 20 states, reaching over 5000 students.

This week, she will be visiting three elementary schools in the Jacksonville area in events sponsored by the Jacksonville Rotary Club. This brings to ten the number of Florida schools where Bair has appeared. In 2022, she live-streamed book readings to seven schools in the Fort Lauderdale area in an event sponsored by the Florida Bankers Association.

Bair is best known as Chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation during the Great Financial Crisis, when Time Magazine dubbed her "the little guy's protector in chief". She currently serves as a board member or advisor to several companies and is the Founding Chair of the Systemic Risk Council, a group she helped form in 2012 to monitor and advocate for financial system stability.

The non-profit FoolProof Foundation is committed to actionable education—teaching critical thinking skills students can use right away and for the rest of their lives. FoolProof is the only financial literacy organization endorsed by the National Association of Consumer Advocates, Public Citizen, Consumer Federation of America, and Fairplay for Kids.

Established in 1919, Chicago-based Albert Whitman is a leading independent publisher of quality books for children.

Title 1 schools can apply for free book donations on the Money Tales website, www.moneytalesbooks.com Individuals or organizations interested in contributing funds to support book donations should contact [email protected].