Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartfelt look at drinking's impact on families.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say the book elicits mixed feelings, with some praising its inspiring and relatable portrayal of a girl dealing with her alcoholic father, while others express disappointment and caution due to its mature themes and content. Overall, it seems to resonate well with readers aged 12 and up, who find it insightful and beneficial for understanding family issues and personal growth.
- inspiring themes
- relatable characters
- mature content
- age-appropriate
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Samantha's father is an alcoholic and her mother is in denial. Sam doesn't want her friends to know what's happening in her house, so she starts leaving notes for a stranger in the library -- and getting answers. Problems escalate at home and at school, making her mysterious adviser finally reveal himself.
Is It Any Good?
It should be apparent from the title: LUSH deals with alcoholism; as such, it is a pretty typical problem novel with a pretty standard story arc. Readers won't be surprised when Sam's father finally hits rock bottom (though his violent attack on her sweet young brother seems over the top). Nor will they be shocked when her family finally begins to heal at the end of the book.
Author Natasha Friend employs a clever device in the letters that Sam exchanges with a mysterious stranger in the library -- though readers may wish it were flushed out a bit more. Friend also creates tender exchanges between Sam and her parents, and her brother. In the end, Friend treads familiar territory here, but her honest depictions of a struggling family may help readers (and their parents) delve into a touchy topic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about "problem novels" like this one that deal with a tough subject. How are books like this helpful for teens? Why would the author choose to include a list of resources in the back of her book?
Did you know that the more alcohol ads young people see, the more they drink? According to one 2006 study, each additional dollar alcohol companies spend on advertising raises the number of drinks youths consume by 3 percent. If you were in charge, would you place any restrictions on alcohol advertisers -- or on other kinds of media targeting teens?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Inc.
- Publication date : October 1, 2006
- Number of pages : 192
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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