Money Hungry by Sharon G. Flake

Over the summer I read "Money Hungry" by Sharron Flake. It's about a girl named Raspberry, and her and her mother struggle with the problem of homelessness. But Raspberry is the type of person who LOVES to make money, if she isn't, she's not very happy. Homelessness is - of course - a very serious issue with so many people and families everywhere, but this story really gives you and inside look on the issue. In the story Raspberry also deals with issues with her friendships and her money hunger. Over the story, her ideas change on the fact of how money can hurt you and help you, and how your family will always be there for you through all the ups and downs when you struggle.

Raspberry always thought that if you had money, then no one can hurt you, because the money you have will protect you. She would collect pennies, nickles, she would sell pencils and chocolate at her school to make money. In the book Raspberry said "some nights when I can't sleep I grab me  fistful of it and count it till I drop off snoring."When her mother got angry at her when she thought Raspberry had stolen money, her mom started throwing all of Raspberries money out the window. Literally. She had always thought money was such a helpful thing, that will protect you if you have it. But by the end of the book, and the fight she had with her mom, and the bulling she got from living on the streets when she was younger; she realized money can really hurt you too.

Her mom and her have been through Raspberry's dad leaving together, and through both the periods of time they had to live in junk yards or abandoned houses when they had hit rock bottom. Raspberry said in the story "Momma. Her and me usually tight." It just shows you that some people - especially your family. I know I can't do anything without my sister even though she and me can't stand each other most of the time. But I'm always happy that she's there.

I really liked this story and all the lessons to be thankful for your loved ones, and how money can effect your life in so many ways. It really gives perspective on living in the projects and how life can be hard at times, but you will always have something. Whether it'd be someone you love, or someone that loves you, and how you can't let money run your life.