Begging for Change

Raspberry Hill, a teenage girl in a low-income neighborhood, struggles with an obsession to acquire and hoard money. Her single mother works hard to provide, but their financial insecurity and past experiences of homelessness continue to affect Raspberry's mindset and behavior. Raspberry's desperate drive for cash puts strain on her relationships with friends and family. She faces conflicts at school and in her community as she wrestles with trust, loyalty, and her own moral compass. Through Raspberry's first-person narrative, this young adult novel addresses themes of poverty, friendship, and the lasting impact of trauma. The story examines how economic hardship shapes identity and the challenges of breaking destructive patterns while seeking security and self-acceptance.

Readers describe this YA novel as a raw, honest portrayal of poverty and family struggles. The authentic voice and complex mother-daughter relationship resonates with both teen and adult readers. Readers appreciated: - Raspberry's character growth and maturity - Realistic depiction of living in poverty - Strong messages about self-worth - Natural dialogue and teen voice Common criticisms: - Slower pacing than the first book - Some plot threads left unresolved - Religious elements feel heavy-handed to some readers Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (50+ reviews) Reader quotes: "The way Flake writes about money troubles and pride hits home" - Goodreads reviewer "Made me understand my own mom better" - Teen reader on Amazon "Drags in the middle but worth pushing through" - School Library Journal reader review

The Skin I'm In by Sharon G. Flake A teenage girl confronts issues of self-worth, colorism, and social acceptance at her middle school.

Money Hungry by Sharon G. Flake A thirteen-year-old girl in the projects develops an obsession with earning money to escape poverty and create security for her family.

Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes Students in a high school English class discover their voices and share their struggles through poetry.

Dear Martin by Nic Stone A Black honor student writes letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while navigating racism, police brutality, and identity.

This Side of Home by Renée Watson Twin sisters face changes in their neighborhood as gentrification affects their community and challenges their perspectives on identity.

📚 Author Sharon G. Flake worked in public relations at the University of Pittsburgh for 18 years before becoming a full-time writer. 🏆 "Begging for Change" is the companion novel to Flake's award-winning book "Money Hungry," following the same protagonist, Raspberry Hill. 💫 The book tackles complex themes of poverty, homelessness, and addiction through the eyes of a 13-year-old girl, drawing partly from Flake's observations while working in inner-city Pittsburgh. 🌟 Sharon G. Flake wrote her first book at age 39, proving it's never too late to begin a writing career. She has since become one of the most respected voices in young adult literature. 📖 The protagonist's obsession with money stems from her experience with homelessness, reflecting a reality faced by approximately 2.5 million children in the United States each year.