Two money-saving book deals were announced today, reflecting a recession-era market driven by practical, prescriptive titles.

Zac Bissonette (pictured, via) managed to sell his first book while still a sophomore in college. His ideas about economical ways to pay for college sparked a three-way bidding war. The title finally sold to Portfolio, as Publishers Weekly reports.

In a recent editorial at The Daily Beast, Bissonette argued that Barack Obama's plans for college funding will are dangerous. The young author wrote: "Increasing the federal Pell Grant program sounds noble, but it really isn't. Given the state of the federal budget, is it really fair for people like me to pay for college by borrowing from the next generation? That isn't just irresponsible. It's immoral."

Hodding Carter scored the second thrifty deal of the week, selling A Year of Living Within Our Means to Brick House. PW has the scoop: "[H]e and his family of six will mine cost-saving techniques from the Great Depression and the first cookbook in America, and stay within their budget, whether that means growing their own food or bartering for things they need."