Q: School's almost out, and vacation's about to begin. Can you recommend some good summer reading on money and finance for my kids? A: Talking to their children about money makes many parents uncomfortable. And it shows.

A recent survey of 1,000 teen-agers found one-third still keep their money in piggy banks or jars. Just one percent said they have investments, according to Nuveen Investments. And half the teen respondents said their parents don't discuss money with them, the phone survey found.

So how can parents give children the information they need to become educated shoppers, cautious users of credit and wise savers? There are a growing number of books, which you can purchase or borrow from the public library, that will give kids a head start -- to say nothing of giving them something different to do this summer.

One newly published book, "The Generation Y Money Book'' by Don Silver (Adams-Hall Publishing, 2000), is a good introduction for teen-agers -- and maybe even some parents -- to how to handle money responsibly.

Aware that the local mall has become a gathering place for teens, Silver devotes an entire chapter to smart ways to shop. He provides advice on comparing prices, checking warranties and return policies, watching for sales, bargaining and safe ways to buy on the Internet.

Silver also describes how to get a credit card and how to use it properly, adding a warning that many parents may have wished they had heard earlier: "Credit card debt can be a ball and chain following you around, everywhere you go, for years and years.'' How to start saving? Silver knows about those piggy banks and provides a variety of suggestions on how to make those savings grow in interest paying bank accounts and even through mutual funds and stocks. And to help bridge the communications gap, he's got a section on "money-smart ideas to discuss with your parents.'' Jana Fine, youth services manager for the library system in Clearwater, Fla., and president of the Young Adult Library Services Association, says children nine to 12 need books with information that is easy to understand.

"Interesting or funny pictures that amuse'' are a plus, she adds.

Teen-agers, she said, are especially eager for practical information.

"They're moving at an incredibly fast pace, so they want to get information, then go and do it.'' Her library has books not only about allowances and how to handle them but also about mini-businesses for teens, such as baby-sitting.

Here are Fine's recommendations: For ages nine-12 "Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids'' by Gail Garlitz and Debbie Honig (Price, Stern, Sloan, 1999). Easy to digest information for kids about money including facts, history, economics, stocks and bonds. Activities provide a fun way to use the knowledge and apply it to real life.

"Neale S. Godfrey's Ultimate Kids Money Book'' (Simon & Schuster, 1998).

Humorous illustrations, fun family projects and information about all aspects of finance.

"The Everything Kids' Money Book'' by Diane Mayr (Adams Business Media, 2000). This book presents a variety of information about all aspects of finance for kids in a fun and factual way.

For teens "I Want to be Rich! A Teenager's Modem to Money: Financial Planning for Teenagers'' by Karen Humbolt (Reynolds Publishing Co., 1998). Teens who want to be in charge of their financial future should read this book. Information about budgets, taxes, inflation, investing, stocks and bonds, starting a business and much more is presented in a clear easy to understand format.