Will she and Momma ever move out of the projects? What did Ja'nae do with the two hundred bucks Raspberry loaned her? And what's really going on with Momma and that rich doctor? A haunting story of greed and forgiveness by the award-winning author of The Skin I'm In, this unforgettable novel will keep you glued to every page. But even money can't answer the questions that keep Raspberry awake at night. And, when money is your best friend, there's more to do than hold it. When the green stuff greases her palm, she gets comfort from feeling its crinkly paper power. Memories of being homeless, sleeping in the streets, and eating handouts keep Raspberry's eye on the only prize that matters to her: cold, hard cash.

She will do just about anything legal to get her hands on the almighty dollar - wash cars, sell rotten candy, skip lunch, clean houses. Thirteen-year-old Raspberry Hill is starved for money. Ages 10-up.The mesmerizing story of one girl's struggle to break her family's cycle of poverty is reissued with an arresting new cover. However, enough loose ends remain untied so that fans will be left eager for another episode. In the end, after moving to a better neighborhood and admitting her crimes to her mother, Raspberry seems to be taking some positive steps in the right direction. Touching upon issues of prejudice, street violence, homelessness and identity crises, this poignant novel sustains a delicate balance between gritty reality and dream fulfillment. Mitchell, who managed to escape the projects without compromising his integrity. Raspberry can give in to despair, like her errant, drug-addict father, or she can break the cycle of poverty, like her mother's boyfriend, Dr. At times it may appear that Raspberry is trapped by her grim environment, yet the author pointedly implies that the teenager does have choices. Readers who judge Raspberry harshly at first may have a change of heart as complex motives for the protagonist's impulsive behavior come to light.

Although she receives no actual punishment for her acts, she does have to bear the guilt and regret of knowing she has committed some serious breaches in trust. On two occasions, Raspberry steals cash from friends. As in Money Hungry, Raspberry's determination to build a nest egg for herself and her mother leads to trouble. Once again, Flake captures the essence of inner city life as she continues her insightful saga of Raspberry Hill, an impoverished teen obsessed with getting money whatever way she can.

Begging for change by sharon g flake