By: Jonathyn Lopez
Maximillian Keith Rodriguez’s book, How To Make Bread, is more than just a children’s book; it’s a profound metaphor for understanding financial literacy and entrepreneurship principles. In a world where many parents feel unequipped to teach their children about money, this book bridges an essential life skill and a story that kids will love. But this is not just a lesson for children. With its simple yet powerful analogy, How To Make Bread speaks to anyone who has ever struggled to manage money or has wondered how to use it to their advantage better.
Maximillian, a barber by trade and an entrepreneur at heart, has spent years observing the intricacies of his profession. A barber is more than someone who cuts hair; they’re a therapist, a confidant, a business owner, and a marketer all wrapped into one. Max saw firsthand how vital consistency and attention to detail are in his work. Yet, as he delved deeper into his role, he realized that many people, including himself, needed more financial understanding to thrive. This inspired him to write How To Make Bread, a book that teaches readers how to make literal bread and serves as an analogy for handling and growing money.
The story follows Joe, an “average Joe” working at a monopolies factory in a small town. Joe’s life takes an unexpected turn when his boss, Sam, has an accident on the job. For the first time, Joe sees how much he relies on others for his survival and realizes it’s time to take control of his future. He decides to make bread, literally and figuratively, and discovers that, just like with money, he has four choices: consume it, invest it, give it away, or let it go to waste. These four options are laid out in a simple, relatable way that helps children and adults understand how to approach their financial decisions.
The brilliance of How To Make Bread is its accessibility. The concept of bread, something that can nourish, be sold, or be shared, resonates with readers of all ages. It’s a practical metaphor for money management. As Max puts it, “With bread, you can eat it and be a consumer, sell and invest it, give it away, or let it sit there and rot.” These are the same options we have with money, and understanding these choices early in life can set someone up for future financial success.
Parents should consider How To Make Bread as an investment in their children’s future. The book teaches important life lessons and encourages entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Joe’s journey mirrors that of many young people today, starting in a system that values conformity but realizing the importance of betting on yourself and pursuing a path that aligns with your passions. Max, who found inspiration from thought leaders like Myron Golden, understands that building something of value, like a book or a business, is a process that takes time and effort but ultimately pays off. His book is an invitation to start that journey. One of the standout moments in the story is Joe’s relationship with his boss, Sam. After learning valuable lessons about independence and entrepreneurship, Joe doesn’t leave Sam behind. Instead, the two reconcile, and Joe shares his newfound knowledge. The book concludes with a heartwarming lesson about leadership. It’s not about telling others what to do but about doing the right thing and helping the team move forward together. Surprisingly, the book even includes an actual bread recipe, emphasizing the connection between work, creation, and nourishment.
Maximillian’s message is clear: financial literacy should start early, and kids learn best through stories. By reaching children through a simple story about making bread, he’s helping them develop a mindset that will benefit them for life. The idea that America is built for entrepreneurship is woven throughout the book, encouraging readers to see themselves as creators, not just consumers. The book’s theme of empowerment is especially important today when so many people, young and old, feel stuck in jobs they don’t enjoy or fully understand.
For parents looking to give their children an early start in financial literacy, How To Make Bread is an essential addition to the family library that can be found on every major platform including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Booktopia. Its lessons about money, work, and leadership are timeless, and its story is engaging for readers of all ages. More than just a book about money, it guides living with purpose, passion, and independence. Maximillian Rodriguez shows us that with the right mindset, anyone can learn how to “make bread” in every sense of the word.
Published by Mark V.
