What Are the Tuttle Twins?
The Tuttle Twins is a book series created by Connor Boyack and published by Libertas Press. The series follows Ethan and Emily Tuttle — a brother and sister duo — as they encounter real-world situations that teach them (and by extension, your kids) about economics, freedom, entrepreneurship, American history, and personal responsibility.
What makes the series unusual is what's underneath the stories. Each book is loosely based on a classic work of economic or philosophical thought: Frederic Bastiat's The Law, F.A. Hayek's The Road to Serfdom, Henry Hazlitt's Economics in One Lesson, and others. The ideas are adapted into age-appropriate narratives that kids can genuinely follow and enjoy.
The series has grown substantially since its first book in 2014. Today there are over 18 titles spanning illustrated children's books, teen-focused guides, graphic novels, and interactive workbooks. It's become one of the most widely used curriculum supplements among homeschool families across the country.
Before I go any further, a quick note: links in this review to the Tuttle Twins store are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we earn a small commission — it doesn't change your price, and it helps keep this site running. Full disclosure here.
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Browse all Tuttle Twins titles — children's books, teen guides, graphic novels, and bundle deals.
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Who Is the Tuttle Twins Series For?
The short answer: any family that wants to be intentional about what ideas their children absorb. I've found the books work in an enormous range of settings — here's who gets the most out of them.
The series is built for it. The companion workbooks turn each book into a complete economics or civics unit.
Even if your kids go to public or private school, these books fill gaps that most classrooms leave empty.
Teachers at small private and charter schools use these as supplemental curriculum — the discussion questions are excellent.
The series literally grows with your child. Start with illustrated books at age 5; move to teen guides and graphic novels at 12+.
I'll be honest about who might not love it: if you're looking for a purely fiction-based adventure series with no real-world grounding, these books won't scratch that itch. The stories are engaging, but they're intentional — you're always learning something. For most families reading this, that's exactly the point.
What Topics Do the Books Cover?
The range across the series is genuinely impressive. Over 18+ books, the Tuttle Twins tackle:
- Economics fundamentals — supply and demand, price signals, trade, entrepreneurship, opportunity cost, and why free markets work
- Individual rights and natural law — the principles behind the Declaration of Independence, property rights, and the limits of government
- Entrepreneurship and business thinking — how to create value, what profit and loss mean, customer service, and starting your own venture
- Critical thinking and logic — how to spot logical fallacies, evaluate media claims, and think independently
- American history — the founding era, key historical figures, and the ideas that built the country
- Personal responsibility and virtue — character, integrity, the golden rule, and taking ownership of your choices
- Monetary policy — inflation, the Federal Reserve, what sound money means, and why these things affect everyday life
The depth varies by book. Some titles are lighter introductions to a concept; others (especially the teen guides) go surprisingly deep. But across the board, the ideas come from substantive source material. When my kids ask follow-up questions, I can point them to the original works — which is the sign of a great educational book.
Individual Book Highlights
Let me walk you through the standout titles. These are the ones we've returned to most often and that sparked the most conversation with our kids.
Loosely inspired by Atlas Shrugged, this is our family's favorite. Ethan and Emily discover what happens when productive people stop participating in the economy. My 10-year-old still talks about it. Excellent for sparking conversations about where wealth actually comes from.
One of the best entry points for younger kids. The story illustrates why treating others as you'd want to be treated leads to better outcomes for everyone — and why coercion is the opposite of that. Surprisingly nuanced for a picture book.
Ethan and Emily start a business and immediately run into the reality of profit, loss, and keeping customers happy. Based on entrepreneurship principles, this one generated more dinner-table conversation about money than anything else we've read.
A more recent addition that tackles the question of what motivates people — and what happens when external incentive systems replace intrinsic motivation. It's based on real economic thinking about incentive structures and resonated with both my kids and me.
This guide is genuinely useful. It teaches kids how to identify common logical fallacies — ad hominem, straw man, appeal to authority — with clear examples. My teenager now catches them in political speeches. That alone is worth the price.
Profiles of real entrepreneurs told through the Tuttle Twins lens. Kids see how real people identified problems, took risks, and built something valuable. My daughter read this three times and started writing a list of business ideas afterward. Highest praise I can give.
A genuinely excellent two-volume history series that covers the founding era through a liberty-focused lens. Much more substantive than the standard textbook treatment. If your kids are interested in history, this is a must-read before or alongside other materials.
These are the "Choose Your Own Adventure" of the Tuttle Twins world. Kids make decisions for the characters and see real consequences unfold. My reluctant reader actually asked to read these, which tells you everything. Fun format, serious ideas.
Bundles and Complete Sets
Beyond the individual books, Tuttle Twins offers several bundles worth knowing about. If you're buying more than two or three books, bundles almost always save you meaningful money.
Everything. All the children's books, teen guides, and more in one package at a significant discount off buying individually. The obvious choice if you're committed to the series or want to give a gift that will last for years.
The best starting point for most families. A curated selection of the most popular children's books at a bundle discount. This is what I'd recommend to any family new to the series — you get the most impactful titles without committing to the full collection.
Once your kids outgrow the illustrated books, the teen-focused guides keep the learning going at a more sophisticated level. Economics, logic, and history explored at greater depth. My 14-year-old reads these independently and brings up the ideas at the dinner table.
The graphic novel format is excellent for visual learners and reluctant readers. Same characters, same ideas, told with dynamic illustrations. If you have a kid who loves comics but isn't wild about sitting with a chapter book, start here.
A subscription option where new books arrive automatically. If you know you'll keep buying new titles as they're released, this is a convenient way to stay current and often saves money over buying new titles individually.
The companion guidebooks turn the stories into proper curriculum. Discussion questions, activities, and exercises that reinforce each concept. Homeschool families will want these alongside the books — they substantially increase the educational value of each title.
See current bundle pricing
Bundle deals change periodically. Check the Tuttle Twins store for the most current pricing and any active promotions.
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Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment
I want to be straight with you here. We love the Tuttle Twins series, but that doesn't mean it's perfect for every family in every situation. Here's my unfiltered take after reading the books with two kids at different ages and developmental stages.
- Ideas grounded in real intellectual tradition. These aren't made-up economics. Bastiat, Hayek, Sowell — kids are engaging with real thinkers adapted to their level.
- Kids genuinely enjoy reading them. My daughter asked to read the next Tuttle Twins book before I'd even suggested it. That almost never happens with educational material.
- Wide age range — the series grows with your child. From picture books at age 5 to substantive teen guides at 15, you won't outgrow the series quickly.
- Excellent conversation starters. After reading any of these books, there are real things to discuss. The ideas don't stay on the page — they come up at the dinner table, in the car, and in unexpected moments.
- Well-produced and durable. Quality printing, vibrant illustrations. These are books you keep. Ours have been through multiple reads and still look good on the shelf.
- Secular — works for any family. No religious content. The values are universal: hard work, honesty, respect for others' rights, voluntary cooperation.
- Guidebooks transform them into curriculum. With the companion workbooks, these become a complete economics or civics unit — not just a read-aloud.
- The economics can feel one-sided to some readers. The series has a clear free-market perspective. This is a feature for many families, but worth knowing going in so you can discuss multiple viewpoints if you want to.
- The illustrated books are short. Each children's book is a quick read — 50 to 60 pages with big illustrations. Don't expect a long-form narrative. They're more like chapter-book length stories than novels.
- Individual books are pricey at full price. Buying one-by-one adds up. The bundles are genuinely good value — but committing to a bundle requires upfront investment. Buy a bundle, not individual books.
- Guidebooks sold separately. If you want the full homeschool curriculum experience, you'll need the guidebooks on top of the books themselves. This adds to the cost, though the educational payoff is higher.
- Not available in most libraries or bookstores. You'll almost certainly be ordering directly from the Tuttle Twins site or Amazon. Budget accordingly.
The bottom line on the criticisms: none of them are dealbreakers. The price concern is real, which is why I always recommend starting with the Family Starter Pack rather than buying individual books — the bundle math works much better.
How to Get Started: My Recommendation
After going through the whole catalog, here's the honest recommendation I give to every parent who asks me:
Don't buy one book. Buy a bundle. The individual book price per unit is higher, and once your kids read the first book, they will want more. I learned this the hard way — I bought one, then two, then four, and eventually just got the Mega Bundle. The math strongly favors buying more upfront.
Best single book to start: The Golden Rule (ages 5–11) or The Search for Atlas (ages 7–13)
If you're on the fence: go with the Family Starter Pack. It's the right balance of value and commitment for a family that hasn't read the books yet. If you love it — and you will — you can always add more individual titles or upgrade toward the Mega Bundle later.
What Other Families Are Saying
I'm obviously a fan, so here's what other parents and educators have said about their experience with the Tuttle Twins series.
"My 8-year-old now explains inflation to my mother-in-law at the dinner table. The Tuttle Twins books made economics click in a way that four years of school never managed."
"I use the Tuttle Twins in my private school classroom. The discussions these books spark are incredible — kids actually debate the ideas and apply them to current events."
"We've gone through six books now and my kids ask for more. They're genuinely fun to read — my daughter voluntarily picked up her Tuttle Twins book over the iPad. That says it all."
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range are the Tuttle Twins books for?
The series covers a wide range. The illustrated children's books are best for ages 5–11. The teen-focused guides (on economics, logic, entrepreneurship, and history) are written for ages 12–16. The graphic novels bridge the gap nicely, working well for readers around 8–14.
In practice, I've found that many of the illustrated books read well as family read-alouds for a range of ages. We've read them with an 8-year-old and a 12-year-old in the same sitting and both were engaged.
Are the Tuttle Twins books politically biased?
They have a clear free-market, limited-government perspective — that's not hidden, and it's exactly why many families seek them out. The economic ideas draw from mainstream economists like Hayek, Bastiat, and Sowell. These are serious intellectual traditions, not partisan talking points.
If you want your kids exposed to multiple economic viewpoints, you can absolutely use these books alongside other materials. But the perspective is consistent across the series, so it's worth knowing going in.
Are the Tuttle Twins books religious?
No. The books are entirely secular. They focus on economic, philosophical, and civic principles. There is no religious content in the main series. Families of all faiths and backgrounds use and enjoy the books without any issue.
Where is the best place to buy Tuttle Twins books?
Directly from tuttletwins.com for the best selection, bundle deals, and pricing. Some titles are also available on Amazon, but the official store has the complete catalog, the companion guidebooks, and consistently better bundle pricing.
(Note: the Tuttle Twins and Amazon links above are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them. Your price is the same either way.)
Do the Tuttle Twins books come with activity guides or workbooks?
Yes — Tuttle Twins offers companion guidebooks/workbooks for many titles. These include discussion questions, activities, and exercises that reinforce the concepts in each book. They're sold separately but are worth it, especially for homeschool families using the books as part of structured curriculum. The Guidebook Combo bundle is the most cost-effective way to get them.
What is the best Tuttle Twins book to start with?
For children ages 5–8: The Tuttle Twins and the Golden Rule is an excellent starting point. It's accessible, the concept is immediately relevant to young kids, and it opens up great conversations.
For children ages 8–13: The Tuttle Twins and the Search for Atlas is the fan favorite for good reason. It's engaging, the economic concepts are fascinating, and kids consistently rank it their favorite.
For the easiest overall starting point: the Family Starter Pack bundle gives you several of the best titles at once so you can let your kids pick what interests them most.
Can I use Tuttle Twins books in a classroom or co-op?
Absolutely. Many private school teachers, homeschool co-ops, and enrichment programs use these as curriculum supplements. The companion guidebooks are especially useful in a group setting — the discussion questions work well with multiple kids and lead to genuine debate and analysis.
Are there Tuttle Twins books for teenagers?
Yes. Tuttle Twins has a dedicated line of teen guides — on topics including economics, logical fallacies, inspiring entrepreneurs, and American history — that are written for the 12–16 age range. These go into considerably more depth than the illustrated children's books and are appropriate for independent reading. The Teen Bundle is the best starting point for this age group.
Are the Tuttle Twins books worth it?
Yes — we think the Tuttle Twins are one of the best investments you can make in your child's education outside of school. The books teach real economics, history, and critical thinking through engaging stories kids actually enjoy. The per-book cost can feel steep individually, but the bundles bring the price per title down significantly. The Family Starter Pack is the best value for families trying the series for the first time.
What do the Tuttle Twins books teach?
The series covers economics (supply and demand, entrepreneurship, trade, inflation), individual rights and natural law, critical thinking and logical fallacies, American history and the founding era, and personal responsibility. Each book is based on a classic work of economic or philosophical thought — Bastiat, Hayek, Hazlitt, and others — adapted into age-appropriate stories.
How many Tuttle Twins books are there?
There are over 18 titles in the series as of 2026. This includes the core illustrated children's books (ages 5–11), teen-focused guides on economics, logic, entrepreneurship, and history (ages 12–16), graphic novels (ages 8–14), Choose Your Consequence interactive books, and companion guidebooks/workbooks. New titles continue to be released periodically.
What is the best order to read the Tuttle Twins books?
The books don't follow a strict sequential plot, so you can start with any title. For younger kids (ages 5–8), we recommend starting with The Golden Rule or Learn About the Law. For ages 8 and up, The Search for Atlas is the fan favorite. The Family Starter Pack includes the most popular core titles and is the easiest way to jump in without worrying about order.
Final Verdict
After several years of reading the Tuttle Twins series with my kids at different ages, my conclusion is straightforward: this is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your child's education outside of school.
The books do something rare. They make real, substantive ideas accessible to children without dumbing them down. The economics is real economics. The history is real history. The philosophical principles are serious ones adapted for young minds. And the kids love reading them — which is the whole ballgame when it comes to educational books.
Are they perfect? No. The individual book pricing is steep, the series has a consistent free-market perspective that some parents may want to supplement with additional viewpoints, and the guidebooks are extra. But these are all minor points against a genuinely excellent product.
If you care about your children understanding how economies work, what individual rights actually mean, and how to think critically about the world — the Tuttle Twins series is the clearest, most engaging way to teach those things that I've found. I recommend it without hesitation.
4.9 / 5
The Tuttle Twins is the best children's book series we've found for teaching economics, freedom, and entrepreneurship. Engaging stories, real intellectual substance, and books kids actually want to read. Start with the Family Starter Pack.
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Keep Learning
Now that you know what the Tuttle Twins series offers, here are some resources to help you get the most out of these books with your family:
- Teaching Guides — step-by-step guides for using these books in your homeschool or family reading time
- Discussion Questions — thought-provoking questions organized by theme to spark great conversations
- Homeschool Integration Guide — a K–12 grade-level plan for using Tuttle Twins as curriculum
- Age-Graded Reading Lists — curated book recommendations for every age group
- Economics for Kids — teaching kids about money, markets, and entrepreneurship
- Freedom & Liberty — exploring individual rights and civic principles with your children