Maid for It - by Jamie Sumner

About the Book

When her mother is injured in a car accident, twelve-year-old Franny tries to keep their fragile world intact by taking over her mom's cleaning jobs.

Book Synopsis

From the acclaimed author of Roll with It comes a relatable and "heart-wrenching" (Kirkus Reviews) middle grade novel about a girl who, in a desperate bid to keep her family afloat, takes over her mom's cleaning jobs after an injury prevents her from working.

Now that Franny and her newly sober mom have moved to a cozy apartment above a laundromat, Franny's looking forward to a life where her biggest excitement is getting top grades in math class. But when Franny's mom gets injured in a car accident, their fragile life begins to crumble. There's no way her mom can keep her job cleaning houses, which means she can't pay the bills. Franny can't forget what happened the last time her mom was hurt: the pills that were supposed to help became an addiction, until rehab brought them to Mimi's laundromat and the support group she hosts.

Franny will not let addiction win again, even if she has to blackmail a school rival to help her clean houses. She'll make the money and keep her mom sober--there's no other choice. But what happens if this is one problem she can't solve on her own?

Review Quotes

"With sure-handed plotting and distinctive characters, this immediate-feeling novel from Sumner captures the lingering impact of substance reliance on one family. . . a novel about moving forward with awareness and hope."--Publishers Weekly

"Sumner has created a story that delves into a heavy topic, but in a lighthearted way that is suitable for young readers. Franny is a sympathetic, relatable character, while beautifully crafted relationships drive the plot forward. . . An honest portrayal of the struggles a young girl will go through for her family."--School Library Journal

"This honest story invites readers into a realistic situation that many young people experience. It offers an accessible, welcoming, and introspective account of the struggles faced by those who worry about a loved one's addiction. The well-developed relationships are a highlight. . . A heart-wrenching read about a girl forced to grow up too quickly."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Jamie Sumner is the author of Roll with It, Time to Roll, Rolling On, Tune It Out, One Kid's Trash, The Summer of June, Maid for It, Deep Water, Please Pay Attention, and Schooled. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other publications. She loves stories that celebrate the grit and beauty in all kids. She is also the mother of a son with cerebral palsy and has written extensively about parenting a child with special needs. She and her family live in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit her at Jamie-Sumner.com.