Sam and the Lucky Money

Sam and the Lucky Money takes place on Chinese New Year in a bustling Chinatown, where young Sam is thrilled to have four dollars of lucky money from his grandparents to spend however he chooses. But as he wanders through the crowded, festive streets, Sam discovers that everything he wants is too expensive — and a chance encounter with a barefoot homeless man changes everything about how he sees generosity and the true meaning of a gift.

This is an excellent choice for students because it explores themes of cultural celebration, empathy, financial literacy, and the power of small acts of kindness, making it ideal for social-emotional learning and discussions about community responsibility.

Publishing Details

Author : Karen Chinn

Illustrator : Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu

Author Nationality : United States

Physical Details

Type of Book: Picture Book

Cover: Softcover

Pages: 32

Size: 9.8 x 8.7 inches

Year Published: 2013

Instructional Details

Reading Grade Level: Kindergarten

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Realistic Fiction

Theme: Asian American, Community, Social Emotions, Culture