For What It's Worth (novel)

For What It's Worth is a young adult novel written by Maureen Sherry, published in 2013 by Simon & Schuster. The novel follows the lives of four teenage girls living in New York City during the 2008 financial crisis. Each girl comes from a vastly different socioeconomic background, but their lives become intertwined as the crisis unfolds, impacting their families and futures.

The central narrative explores themes of economic inequality, social class, the complexities of friendship, family dynamics under stress, and the loss of innocence in the face of harsh realities. The characters grapple with the fallout of their parents' financial decisions, facing issues such as job loss, home foreclosure, and shifting social hierarchies.

The novel received generally positive reviews for its realistic portrayal of the financial crisis's impact on teenagers and its examination of the privileges and disadvantages associated with different social classes. It is often recommended for young adult readers interested in understanding the broader context of the 2008 financial meltdown through a relatable, character-driven narrative.