CommonBookSense: Book Review: The Struggle: Mom and the Summertime Blues (The Smith Family)

The Struggle: Mom and the Summertime Blues

By: Patrice, Donna, Shannon, Charity, and Faith Smith

Genres: Children's Fiction, Short

The story of four sisters-Diamond, Shelia, Crystal, and Felicity who dread their summer break because of their mom. A timely and hilarious read told through the eyes and voice of adolescent authors about their perspective of Mom's summertime "fun." Young readers will empathize with the youthful perspective of parents and "their ways." Parents will enjoy reading about the feelings of the four girls in the story, nodding in agreement from the beginning to the end. The entire family will enjoy this book. Instead of those great summer trips and long lazy days of summer, the four sisters complain about having to eat healthy and exercise, do homework and chores, and more. Throughout the book the girls tell of important life lessons taught by their parents. These lessons are told in a comical way.

**WE WERE GIVEN A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR THE FOLLOWING HONEST REVIEW**

**First, sorry about the switch up! Kailei did the review scheduling this week and she didn't realize that Player doesn't release until September! Sorry, everyone!!**

This book was hilarious! I picked it up as a quick read a few nights ago when I couldn't sleep and found myself covering my mouth as I laughed out loud at the way these children described their 'overly-demanding' mother. Being the mom of two pretty dramatic teenagers, who often times think that no other mom in the world could be as demanding as I; I want nothing more than to present this book to children everywhere, as proof that their complaints aren't original. I think that this book will remind moms of their children and their antics, and that any child could relate to Diamond, Shelia, Crystal, and Felicity.

Mom and the Summertime Blues is a book that could find a place in any household. Whether you're a mother, or a child, you will find this book relatable, humorous, and just flat-out enjoyable.

Links are below!