Skye Green’s mum is driving her insane! When she’s not posting EMBARRASSING pictures of Skye online or experimenting with BIZARRE clothing, she’s forever taking up new hobbies – and her latest obsession is ballroom dancing! It’s only a matter of time until she waltzes down the street in spandex and sequins – and to make matters worse, Skye’s younger brother is wildly (and irritatingly) enthusiastic about Mum’s new hobby, and about wearing Mum’s sparkly new outfits!
As if this wasn’t HORRIFIC enough, Skye’s mum has also enlisted the new neighbour’s son to come and ‘babysit’ when she’s at dance class, and he’s only a year older than Skye! Talk about MORTIFYING in the EXTREME! At least Skye’s best friend, Aubrey is there to help Skye cope with her family’s madness. They’ve been friends since before they can remember, and nothing will ever, EVER change that… right?
How did I get the book? I bought it
Genre: Contemporary
Review: Parents are so embarrassing. I mean they’re supposed to behave like grown-ups not rediscover themselves in hideous sparkly or even neon outfits from charity shops and decide on evening classes. Did Sky’s mum not read that rulebook?
The Parent Problem in a nutshell is Skye being mortified at her mother’s behaviour, because she isn’t being boring. I actually loved her for it. However Skye’s mum also doesn’t listen to Skye because she’s caught up her hobbies, so she misses all the signs for what is going wrong with her daughter. This book would have been very short if they both had just sat down for an hour and talked, it also would have been a whole lot less entertaining. (Though I do feel bad for Skye saying that.)
Anna Wilson has a good balance between funny and heart. Skye is very endearing as a narrator and there a plenty of moments in the story that will make you smile (or giggle) but because the emotions are there The Parent Problem just has that little bit extra.
Recommend it?
Absolutely
Luna's Little Library 