Children aren't learning about their freedoms, but these age-appropriate books will help

Popular culture and even our educational institutions have increasingly abandoned the principles of freedom, personal responsibility, and intellectual autonomy.

These principles are fundamental for a successful life and a flourishing society - aspirations we should all share.

A new program in Middle Tennessee will make available in public libraries a book series aimed at instilling these values in our children.

Parents take note. This series entitled “The Tuttle Twins” will provide lessons you love found in stories your kids will love to read!

Children will learn about economic concepts in age-appropriate stories

Centered on twins Emily and Ethan Tuttle, each book is designed to spark children’s curiosity and appreciation for the sources of our success as developing citizens.

Books focus on different core principles of a free and responsible society such as the rule of law or the dangers of socialism.

In one creative adventure, “The Tuttle Twins and the Creature from Jekyll Island” demonstrates how mismanaged monetary policy generates inflation at a farmer’s market.

Another tale, “The Tuttle Twins and the Food Truck Fiasco” shows how government regulation can stifle business and hurt entrepreneurs looking to earn a living while bringing valuable products and services to their fellow community members.

The series, authored by Connor Boyack, is written for a grade school audience (ages 5-11) to understand these complex economic and legal topics through relatable storylines centering on endearing characters.

Here’s which Tennessee counties are getting “The Tuttle Twins”

Economic freedom, high expectations and standards, and the ability to think outside the crowd drove the economic prosperity we enjoy today in the United States. Yet, these principles are increasingly being neglected or are even under attack.

This is especially true when it comes to youth culture and education, where collectivism, victimhood, and gullible and irrational thinking have become the norm both inside and outside the classroom. This is a threat to the future prosperity of our children, state, and country.

Recently launched by the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI), this new initiative, funded by Grant and Ashley Starrett, will be making The Tuttle Twins book series available to public and elementary school libraries in Bedford, Coffee, Franklin, Giles, Grundy, Moore, Rutherford, and Warren Counties.

As long as these public institutions are willing to accept these donations, parents in these counties will soon be able to check out each of the books in the series.

Help educate children to value, protect and preserve their freedoms

We encourage parents to ask about and utilize these resources as a starting point for supplementing their children’s elementary school education.

Importantly, this is only the launching point to a freer and more prosperous Tennessee. If you are interested in seeing these books in public libraries near you, please consider making a gift to the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) to support The Tuttle Twins Initiative.

We hope donors across the state will join this grassroots effort to expand the reach of this program to all public libraries and elementary schools throughout the Volunteer State.

Together, let’s ensure that the next generation of Tennesseans is equipped with the knowledge and values necessary to preserve our freedoms.

Grant Starrett is a real estate investor, book reviewer at Grantreadsbooks.com , and father of a 2-year-old boy who already requests and enjoys “The Tuttle Twins,” and Daniel J. Smith is the director of the Political Economy Research Institute and professor of economics at Middle Tennessee State University.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Children aren't learning about their freedoms, but these age-appropriate books will help