Money Hungry
#1 of 2 in Raspberry Hill Series
on Goodreads (4,412)
What’s inside...
Thirteen-year-old Raspberry Hill is always scheming about ways to make money. Whether by washing cars or skipping lunch, she's obsessed with the stuff. Most of all, she's determined that she and her momma will never be homeless again. When the council approves them for a move to a nice house, Raspberry thinks things are looking up. But after their old apartment is robbed, and protests by the rich folks in Pecan Landings force them out of their new house, Raspberry must do everything in her power to keep her world from crumbling. A Coretta Scott King Honor Book.
Character compass
Raspberry Hill
Raspberry'S Mother
Discussion points
How do you think Raspberry's feelings about money impact her relationships with her friends and family?
What would you do if you were in Raspberry's situation and needed to make money?
Raspberry faces many tough decisions in the book. Which decision do you think was the hardest for her, and why?
How do the events in the book change Raspberry's views on money by the end?
What did you learn about the importance of friendship and trust from Raspberry's experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on money and its importance, setting a relatable groundwork for deeper discussion.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Raspberry’s shoes in various scenarios throughout the book.
Highlight the moral dilemmas and choices faced by Raspberry to guide your child to think about the consequences of different actions.
Ask your child to think of alternative solutions to Raspberry's problems, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
After discussing the book, connect the themes to your child’s daily life, asking them to identify any similar situations they’ve observed or experienced.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: In 'Money Hungry,' the protagonist, Raspberry, learns the hard way that honesty is crucial when dealing with friends and family. Her secretive attempts to earn and save money strain her relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of being truthful with their peers and family members, which fosters trust and stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: The impact of financial hardships
Explanation: The book explores Raspberry's struggles with poverty and her desperate measures to ensure financial stability for her family, highlighting the emotional and social ramifications.
Real-World Application: This helps children empathize with peers who might be facing financial challenges and teaches them about compassion and understanding diverse life situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Raspberry shows immense resilience, continually striving to improve her family’s financial situation despite numerous setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and maintaining hope, even when faced with difficult circumstances. This can help them overcome their own challenges.
Example Lesson: The dangers of materialism
Explanation: As Raspberry becomes increasingly focused on money, she starts to compromise her values, which leads to personal conflict and a realization about what truly matters.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value personal relationships and integrity over material possessions, promoting a healthier, balanced perspective on life.
Example Lesson: Importance of setting priorities
Explanation: Throughout 'Money Hungry,' Raspberry learns to prioritize her needs and the well-being of her family over her desire to accumulate wealth.
Real-World Application: This lesson guides children in decision-making processes regarding what is truly important in their lives, helping them make thoughtful choices about allocating their time and resources.