Growing Up Is Hard

by Laura Schlessinger, Daniel McFeeley (Illustrator)

Nothing is going right for Sammy. His kindergarten teacher told him he could do a better job on his picture. His best friend didn't want to come over and play. And his mother punished him for forgetting to take out the trash. Sammy feels that his life is just awful, until Dad helps him find new ways of looking at his problems. In her third children's book after bestsellers Why Do You Love Me? and But I Waaannt It! , acclaimed author and radio personality Dr. Laura Schlessinger has written another important story featuring the lovable family from her first two books. Growing Up Is Hard shows a caring parent teaching his child to cope with the challenges of growing up.

Genres: Childrens

40 pages, Library Binding

First published April 10, 2001

About the author

Laura Catherine Schlessinger (born January 16, 1947) is an American talk radio host, socially conservative commentator and author. Her radio program consists mainly of her responses to callers' requests for personal advice and has occasionally featured her short monologues on social and political topics. Her website says that her show "preaches, teaches, and nags about morals, values and ethics".

Reviews

[Ashly Schuette]

Sammy can't seem to have a good day. The teacher, his best friend and mother all do/say things that make Sammy feel stupid, unwanted, and lazy. Sammy feels that his life is just awful, until Dad helps him find new ways of looking at his problems.

Great integration piece for teaching about how to handle stress and reach out for help.

Recommended for ages 5-8.

[Rebecca Caufman]

Um...yeah...this is the story of a boy who says he hates his life and a dad who takes the time to listen to him and help him see the good in life.

[Kit]

Adjusting to taking more responsibility and accountability that comes with growing older can be difficult at first. But you can see the positive side to things. It teaches a good message, albeit a bit cloyingly twee. The pictures show expressions well and were interesting, rustic.

[Shaelynn Bowman]

Genre: Contemporary Realistic
Age Range: Early Primary
This is such a good book to read to lower elementary students who are struggling with growing up. It teaches kids to feel their feelings and how to navigate through them in a positive way. Very relatable boom for students!

[Ashley Couey]

This book is so cute. Its about children growing up and them not liking all there responsibility they are being given. As a parent reading this to their child they hate seeing their children hurt and go through pain. This book is all about children growing up.