Money Hungry

Flake, Sharon G. Money Hungry. Hyperion, 2001. ISBN-10:078682476x


Plot Summary
Raspberry is obsessed with money. She is always doing odd jobs and selling things at school to make money. Raspberry believes that having money will keep her and her mother off of the streets. Raspberry's friends don't necessarily understand her need for money but they stick up for their girl. In turn, Raspberry helps her friends with their problems- Mai who struggles with her biracial heritage, Zora whose parents are recently divorced and Ja'nae who lives with her grandparents because her mother lost custody. Raspberry's mother works two jobs and goes to school but she still has trouble making the move out of the projects.

Critical evaluation
This book attacks urban poverty in an honest and humorous way so the reader is sure to empathize with Raspberry. The characters speak African American Vernacular English, which may be off-putting to some readers at first, but once you get used to the language your connection with the characters will keep you reading. I like the narrator makes no excuses for her situation leaving the reader to make his own conclusion. At the same time, the book realistically discusses the issues facing those struggling against poverty. For example, Raspberry and her mother qualify for section 8 housing (which the narrator explains) but the neighbors don't want them to move in. This is one of those rare books that lets the reader live another's life.

Readers Annotations
Raspberry thinks that if she has enough money she'll never have to be homeless again. But how much is enough and what will she have to sacrifice to get it?

Information About the Author
Sharon G. Flake is a winner of the Coretta Scott King- John Steptoe award for new authors. She is a former youth counselor. She currently lives and works in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

Genre
Realistic fiction
African American Interest
Bi-racial interest

Curriculum Ties
Poverty
Black history

Booktalking Ideas
Ways to make a buck

Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 6+

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas
This book is written in AAVE, but this gives the book credibility as a realistic portrayal of urban African American youth.

Why Book Included
Appeared on a list of recommended books for tweens published by the Sacramento Public Library