Summary (from goodreads): Growing Pains; Kendras Dairies is the first book in the series chronicling the journey of Kendra Foster from adolescence to adulthood. I aspire to encourage, entertain, and inspire young adults. Life has its ups and downs, its bumps and its bruises. But with perseverance, determination, and faith you can be all you were born to be. Never Give Up!
This is coming of age young adult literature dealing with difficulty family relationships and the struggle to make ends meet. The author of this book grew up in New Orleans, but began her writing career when she was evacuated to Atlanta during Hurricane Katrina. This is the authors first young adult novel.
My rating: 5 of 5 starsI will begin by saying that I am not a true young adult book fan, but the book description sounded okay so I thought I would give it a go. All too often, YA books are filled with bad language, sex, drugs, and much more. I understand why the books are written that way, but I do get tired of those kinds of stories.What an absolutely pleasant surprise this book was! It was simply written from the perspective of Kendra. In fact, it read much like a diary or journal from her perspective. She is a typical eighth grader in the 1980’s (I could so relate!). She lives in New Orleans (before Hurricane Katrina), and she attends a parochial school. She is the typical girl who wants to go steady with a cute guy, wants to be a cheerleader, and looks forward to high school. Her story is straightforward and delightful.Don’t be deceived. Not everything works out for Kendra. In addition to her normal adolescent struggles, her family has struggles. Some are unexpected, and there are those struggles that are completely unexpected. But isn’t that life?The best part about the book is that there is absolutely no profanity and no sex! This was so refreshing to read a clean young adult book! And the characters actually had morals–go figure!Something else I really appreciated was how Kendra prayed to God. While I am not calling this a religious book, much of the story happens in a Catholic school, and Kendra is a good Catholic. She shoots up simple prayers to God at difficult times in her life and times when she really would like a miracle to happen. And I love her faith in those times. It reminds me that being real with God is a good thing! And Kendra does that.
K.P. Smith is an author I absolutely adore! Her characterization and plot are simple but well-written. I highly recommend this book and hope that she writes more installments in Kendra’s stories in the years to come!
I was set a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
“Kendra, have you decided which high schools you are going to apply to?” my mom asked as I was taking my first bite of breakfast.
Oh, and she warmed the syrup! I thought, as the pancakes melted in my mouth. Mom you made my favorite breakfast please let me eat it in peace.
“Yes mom, I have been thinking about it.” I was hoping that would be enough and she would drop the subject.
I nodded. I glanced at Patrice, who was enjoying her breakfast. Wasn’t there something going on in her life that my mom wanted to discuss with her?
“What does the counselor at school have to say? Have you met with her yet?” It was obvious I was going to have this conversation whether I wanted to or not.
“Yes, I met with Ms. Marina. Yes, she also advised me to keep my options open. We agreed I will apply to other schools, plus The Academy. Yes, I will mail off all the applications soon. I am waiting for my teachers and Ms. Marina to write their letters of recommendation. Ms. Marina told me that with my good grades, I will definitely get accepted to all of them, and there is a good possibility I will get more than one scholarship offer. Now, can I please just eat?”
It amazed me that my mom never tired of saying the same thing over and over again. Lord knows, I got tired of hearing it. I didn’t live with my head in the sand. Our money problems were no secret. They argued about it all the time.
I know they can’t afford to send me to any of the schools I am applying to, let alone The Academy. I just get tired of being reminded all the time.
What I really want is to ask her, “So, where is all that talk now? Can’t I believe God will answer my prayers? Can’t I have some faith and believe that I could go to The Academy? I have been studying and making very good grades for years. Is it so farfetched, too much to ask for, to believe that I will get the scholarship to The Academy? Is that too much to ask for?
“Do you hear me, God? Are you listening?”
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Biography-(in her own words)
I believe everyone is here for a reason. They are here for a purpose. I believe that life is a gift to be enjoyed not endured. We are here to thrive not merely survive.
Whether it’s penning My Growing Pains Series or my upcoming non-fiction books, or coaching first time indie authors or helping people with their relationships; I’m always discovering new ways to help people live their best lives possible.
When I’m not in author/coach mode, I love reading and watching sports football, basketball, tennis, golf yeah basically all of them.
I’m also a big TV watcher (maybe too big? Nah no such thing). I love my soaps; soaper for life love my night time dramas. These are enjoyable and a perk is it also helps with my creative thinking/writing process. The only thing better than watching my favorite shows is watching it with millions of others via twitter!! I’m a major tweeter!
I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Xavier University Louisiana and a Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Loyola University Chicago.
I have a wonderful family life including two wonderful sons. I live in NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) home of Mardi Gras, Jazz, great food and Southern Hospitality.
LIFE IS GOOD. I AM BLESSED!
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Thanks for posting, I am glad that you liked this book!
