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Pink & Green #1
My Life in Pink & Green
Twelve-year-old Lucy Desberg is a natural problem solver. After the local homecoming queen shows up at her family's struggling drugstore with a beauty disaster that Lucy helps to fix, Lucy has a long line of makeover customers for every school dance and bat mitzvah. But all the makeup tips in the world won't help save the pharmacy. If only she could find a way to make the pharmacy the center of town again, a place where people want to spend time, like in the old days. Lucy dreams up a solution that could resuscitate the family business and help the environment, too. But will Lucy's family stop fighting long enough to listen to a seventh-grader?
This book is a funny and sweet debut featuring an unforgettable narrator who knows what she wants, whether it's great makeup, a killer business plan, or a better world.
This book is a funny and sweet debut featuring an unforgettable narrator who knows what she wants, whether it's great makeup, a killer business plan, or a better world.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2009
742 people are currently reading
5914 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Greenwald
37 books479 followersA long bio can be kind of boring, so instead I'm going to pretend
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
that a famous journalist (maybe Barbara Walters) is interviewing me.
The only thing is, I'm making up the questions.
If you think of any other questions you'd like me to answer, send me an email and ask away!
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut until the end of fifth grade and then I moved to Roslyn Heights, New York. That's on Long Island. But I don't have a bad Lawn Guyland accent, I promise.
Q. Do you have any siblings?
A. Yes, I have two younger brothers. I always wanted a sister, but it's kind of nice being the only daughter in the family, and my brothers and I are really close.
Q. What about the rest of your family? Are you close with them too?
A. Yes, family is really important to me. I talk to my parents and grandparents every day.
Q. Are you married?
A. Yes, to a fabulous guy named Dave. We met at sleep away camp when I was sixteen.
Q. Do you have any kids?
A. Yes, my daughter Aleah Violet Rosenberg was born on May 28th, 2010 and I personally think she's the cutest baby in the world, but of course I am biased.
Q. Do you have any pets?
A. I had a miniature toy poodle named Yoffi, but he died in 2007. I miss him so much.
Q. That's sad. Do you think you will get another dog?
A. I would love to adopt one very soon!
Q. What is your favorite book?
A. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt is my favorite book in the whole entire world. I read it in sixth grade in Ms. Mayer's class. I have read many books since then, but Tuck Everlasting is still my absolute favorite.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. I have two. Clueless and Avalon.
Q. What's one of the craziest things that's ever happened to you?
A. I won a radio contest at the end of eighth grade! Someone from Z100 called me up and asked me to say the "phrase that pays" and I answered correctly. I won a thousand dollars.
Q. Did you always want to be a writer?
A. No, not always. I wanted to be a hair stylist, then a concert pianist, then a rabbi. But I always loved making up stories, so I think writing is the perfect job for me.
Q. Where did you go to college?
A. I went to Binghamton University in upstate New York. I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing. It's reallllllllly cold in Binghamton. Then two years after I graduated college, I went to The New School to get my MFA in writing for children.
Q. You mentioned that you met Dave at sleep away camp. Did you really like sleep away camp?
A. YES! I loved it. I went to Eisner Camp in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. I would go back to camp forever if only I could. Sleep away camp is the best place in the world.
Q. Tell me some other things you really like.
A. Okay. Here's a short list: sleeping late, fancy hotels, reading and writing (duh!,) peanut m&ms, flip flops, sweatpants, people watching, New York City, cheese omelets, weddings, pedicures, looking at old pictures and re-reading old cards and letters.
Q. Tell me some things you really dislike.
A. Peas, mean people, rats and mice, sweating, pants and skirts with a side zipper, spicy food, uncomfortable shoes, people clipping their nails on the subway, feeling lonely or thinking about other people who might feel lonely.
Q. MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN is about a pharmacy. Do you really like pharmacies?
A. Yes, I love them! I love the way they smell and the way the aisles are arranged. I love when the pharmacists know the customers and I love looking at all the beauty products.
Q. Do you write every day?
A. I try to, but in addition to writing I also work in the library at The Birch Wathen Lenox School in Manhattan. I love being around kids and books and talking to kids about books!
Q. I don't have any more questions. Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A. Just that I hope readers like my book, and I'd love to hear from all of them if they want to talk to me!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 834 reviews
February 24, 2015
Don't read this. Just don't.
Rtc (rant to come)
Rtc (rant to come)
Read
March 8, 2009My Life in Pink and Green is an immediately endearing story. The Old Mill Pharmacy, the business that Lucy’s family revolves around, is in danger of going out of business, and Lucy will stop at nothing to save it. Lucy is strong, smart, and resourceful, and her spunk and green solutions will appeal to readers young and old.
The Old Mill Pharmacy sounds like the perfect place to hang out, and Lucy is determined to revive the aging establishment’s popularity in her town before it’s too late. While her activist mother is busy trying to save the world and her more down to earth grandmother is trying to get Mom to see reason, Lucy uses her skills, friendships, and initially reluctant membership in the Earth Club to fight for the pharmacy she loves.
The relationships depicted by Greenwald are strong and believable; Lucy’s mother and grandmother are loving but somewhat condescending towards Lucy’s attempts at business innovation, while Lucy’s best friend and older sister are helpful comrades in her plans.
The novel manages to entertainingly combine makeup, environmentalism, and first crushes to tell the sweet story of Lucy, her friends, and her family. This one’s definitely a younger read, but was endlessly cute and enjoyable.
Originally posted at: noraatnow.blogspot.com
The Old Mill Pharmacy sounds like the perfect place to hang out, and Lucy is determined to revive the aging establishment’s popularity in her town before it’s too late. While her activist mother is busy trying to save the world and her more down to earth grandmother is trying to get Mom to see reason, Lucy uses her skills, friendships, and initially reluctant membership in the Earth Club to fight for the pharmacy she loves.
The relationships depicted by Greenwald are strong and believable; Lucy’s mother and grandmother are loving but somewhat condescending towards Lucy’s attempts at business innovation, while Lucy’s best friend and older sister are helpful comrades in her plans.
The novel manages to entertainingly combine makeup, environmentalism, and first crushes to tell the sweet story of Lucy, her friends, and her family. This one’s definitely a younger read, but was endlessly cute and enjoyable.
Originally posted at: noraatnow.blogspot.com
March 27, 2017
Cute and light, but I am definitely not the target audience.
There are a few books that I think stand up well over time. I don't know that this is one. She's 12 but she doesn't talk or act like any 12 year old I know (and I know a few. A whole troop of 12 year olds!) I'm glad she was so invested in her family's business but I couldn't help but think this fell into the typical absentee parents that so many young adult books fall into. Her mom was pretty outrageous and she seemed almost "anti" being a mom.
And the grandma was even worse. The both seemed to know very little about Lucy or anything she was going through. Sure, they had a failing business and the loss of the house on their hands, but they also weren't doing anything to change it.
There was little to no mention of technology (almost every 12 year old I know at least has a phone, most iphones!), internet or any type of advertising that way. Cute but dated. And not really my cup of tea.
There are a few books that I think stand up well over time. I don't know that this is one. She's 12 but she doesn't talk or act like any 12 year old I know (and I know a few. A whole troop of 12 year olds!) I'm glad she was so invested in her family's business but I couldn't help but think this fell into the typical absentee parents that so many young adult books fall into. Her mom was pretty outrageous and she seemed almost "anti" being a mom.
And the grandma was even worse. The both seemed to know very little about Lucy or anything she was going through. Sure, they had a failing business and the loss of the house on their hands, but they also weren't doing anything to change it.
There was little to no mention of technology (almost every 12 year old I know at least has a phone, most iphones!), internet or any type of advertising that way. Cute but dated. And not really my cup of tea.
November 11, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Lisa Greenwald has a nice combination of things going on in her debut novel MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN. Put together "green" living to save the earth, the trials and tribulations of being a 7th-grade girl, and the financial stress of running a family business, and you have a real page-turner.
Lucy will be the third generation owner of a family pharmacy - that is if her mother and grandmother can keep the store going against the competition of large chains and consumers only looking for one-stop shopping options. She hears their constant arguments about which direction is best for the business her grandfather started years ago.
Lucy's mother's objections are that the store is stuck in the 80's, while her mother, Lucy's grandmother, says her own daughter is the downfall of the business because of her poor money management skills. All Lucy knows is that she doesn't want to lose the family business, and she thinks she just might have the answer.
Being a 7th-grader is also a challenge for Lucy. Her older sister is away at college, but thanks to Claudia, at least Lucy knows how to look her best, and with the help of good grooming she maintains a high level of self-confidence in the face of middle school stress. She has always been interested in make-up, and growing up in the pharmacy with its make-up aisle so easily accessible, she has developed a certain knack for making people look their best.
When people begin realizing her talent, she finds herself running a makeover business that is bringing in needed cash for the store.
In an effort to boost her friend Sunny's confidence with boys, Lucy joins the school's Earth Club. Membership in the club revives Lucy's interest in recycling and promoting some of the more nature-friendly make-up products she uses with her customers. When an afternoon of research for the club causes Lucy to stumble across a city grant offering some major money help for local businesses who "go green," she believes she has truly found the way to save the family business.
MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN grabbed my attention right from the start. Lucy is portrayed as a fun, upbeat 7th-grader not afraid to test out her innovative ideas. The addition of the financial stress in the family business brings this story into the here and now of our economic woes and will help hold the interest of readers dealing with their own tough times. By adding humor and a bit of young romance, Lisa Greenwald has really hit the mark with this novel.
I look forward to reading what I hope will be a long line of her YA work.
Lisa Greenwald has a nice combination of things going on in her debut novel MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN. Put together "green" living to save the earth, the trials and tribulations of being a 7th-grade girl, and the financial stress of running a family business, and you have a real page-turner.
Lucy will be the third generation owner of a family pharmacy - that is if her mother and grandmother can keep the store going against the competition of large chains and consumers only looking for one-stop shopping options. She hears their constant arguments about which direction is best for the business her grandfather started years ago.
Lucy's mother's objections are that the store is stuck in the 80's, while her mother, Lucy's grandmother, says her own daughter is the downfall of the business because of her poor money management skills. All Lucy knows is that she doesn't want to lose the family business, and she thinks she just might have the answer.
Being a 7th-grader is also a challenge for Lucy. Her older sister is away at college, but thanks to Claudia, at least Lucy knows how to look her best, and with the help of good grooming she maintains a high level of self-confidence in the face of middle school stress. She has always been interested in make-up, and growing up in the pharmacy with its make-up aisle so easily accessible, she has developed a certain knack for making people look their best.
When people begin realizing her talent, she finds herself running a makeover business that is bringing in needed cash for the store.
In an effort to boost her friend Sunny's confidence with boys, Lucy joins the school's Earth Club. Membership in the club revives Lucy's interest in recycling and promoting some of the more nature-friendly make-up products she uses with her customers. When an afternoon of research for the club causes Lucy to stumble across a city grant offering some major money help for local businesses who "go green," she believes she has truly found the way to save the family business.
MY LIFE IN PINK & GREEN grabbed my attention right from the start. Lucy is portrayed as a fun, upbeat 7th-grader not afraid to test out her innovative ideas. The addition of the financial stress in the family business brings this story into the here and now of our economic woes and will help hold the interest of readers dealing with their own tough times. By adding humor and a bit of young romance, Lisa Greenwald has really hit the mark with this novel.
I look forward to reading what I hope will be a long line of her YA work.
September 12, 2011
I think the book is excellent. It all about Lucy and her mothers Pharmacy. Her mothers Pharmacy don't have a lot of clients. So Lucy got a great idea, which was to add change the pharmacy into an eco-spa
December 8, 2011
This book is a really fun book to read!!!!!! It talks about so much!!!!! I love this book becuase it has a happy ending and who wants to have a book with a sad ending. So if you want to find out the happy ending you will just have to read the book!!!!!!!!
March 6, 2012
This is one of the best books i have ever read. You should read it if you like realistic fiction.
July 31, 2023
An empowering and thoughtful story for any young girl!
May 15, 2013
I've seen good reviews of this book hanging about and I knew I had to pick it up. I don't think I realized it was a middle grade read, but I have to say this is the best middle grade/younger adult book I've read in a long while.
My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald stars Lucy, one of the spunkiest and smartest 12 year olds I've ever read about. She has a mother that still lives at home and a grumpy grandmother who is trying to hold their finances together. They all work/live in a pharmacy that has been in their family forever. It's barely holding on, and they are struggling to pay the bills. Lucy has a terrific idea to help save the pharmacy and go green (her mom is an activist) to bring together the disparate personalities of both her mom and grandmother and stay lucrative. On top of all that, she deals with first crushes and her new burgeoning makeup side business. Will Lucy be able to pull all of this together to save her beloved pharmacy?
Lucy is a TERRIFIC character, and I don't say that lightly. I was thinking while I was reading this book, that she is definitely in the top five characters that I would love to meet in real life. When I have a child, I'd be ecstatic if she had a fraction of the drive, passion, and just overall curiosity and love for life and learning as Lucy does. She is what makes this book-- and her voice definitely sounds 12 even though she's obviously doing a lot more than most 12 year olds (and most growups). I think this book has mass appeal to both the 12 year old audience, and people... my age. :-)
My only caveat was that Lucy's personality is so big, and her character so terrific, that she can't be contained in just one book, and at the end, I was so sad to see her go. When preparing for this review, imagine my excitement that there is a followup to this book! I don't actually usually clamor for sequels, but this is an exception to the rule.
Overall, a terrific middle grade read that everyone will enjoy with one of the most engaging protagonists I have ever read about. Greenwald puts everything together seamlessly, and I will definitely be watching her career from now on!
My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald stars Lucy, one of the spunkiest and smartest 12 year olds I've ever read about. She has a mother that still lives at home and a grumpy grandmother who is trying to hold their finances together. They all work/live in a pharmacy that has been in their family forever. It's barely holding on, and they are struggling to pay the bills. Lucy has a terrific idea to help save the pharmacy and go green (her mom is an activist) to bring together the disparate personalities of both her mom and grandmother and stay lucrative. On top of all that, she deals with first crushes and her new burgeoning makeup side business. Will Lucy be able to pull all of this together to save her beloved pharmacy?
Lucy is a TERRIFIC character, and I don't say that lightly. I was thinking while I was reading this book, that she is definitely in the top five characters that I would love to meet in real life. When I have a child, I'd be ecstatic if she had a fraction of the drive, passion, and just overall curiosity and love for life and learning as Lucy does. She is what makes this book-- and her voice definitely sounds 12 even though she's obviously doing a lot more than most 12 year olds (and most growups). I think this book has mass appeal to both the 12 year old audience, and people... my age. :-)
My only caveat was that Lucy's personality is so big, and her character so terrific, that she can't be contained in just one book, and at the end, I was so sad to see her go. When preparing for this review, imagine my excitement that there is a followup to this book! I don't actually usually clamor for sequels, but this is an exception to the rule.
Overall, a terrific middle grade read that everyone will enjoy with one of the most engaging protagonists I have ever read about. Greenwald puts everything together seamlessly, and I will definitely be watching her career from now on!
May 17, 2017
I don't like the book. This book is more like those types of girly books that a lot of girls like. It's not my thing. This books I recommend are for girls that like other things like make-up or something weird to me. I just don't like it. I'm not saying I hate it but I just don't like these types of books.
February 1, 2023
"It's nice to know you always have a place to go."
MYGOD!😭
I LOVE this book.
Lucie-juice I am gonna miss u.
MYGOD!😭
I LOVE this book.
Lucie-juice I am gonna miss u.
December 18, 2023
basucally it was quite a while ago that i read this book and i don't remember much of it which isn't good becasue that means it wasn't memorable😑 and the way they ened it made it hard to get into the second book so i just dropped the rest of the series. (liked the tips at the beginning of each chapter tho!!)
October 12, 2012
I loooooved this book! The cover, to me, looks really cheesy, because I don't like girly girl book, but it was amazing!! It had such a great story to it! It was about a 7th grade girl, so I could really relate. This has probably moved it's way up to being on of my favorite books! I would recomend this book...to ANYBODY!!!!! It made me want to read more books by this author. It was a great book!!!
This book is about a girl who's family doesn't have much money. She is really struggling. Her family owns a pharmacy and it doesn't get very much business. Plus, her friend now has a crush and is acting very strange about it. She is forced to join this going green club, and figures out that it is really fun!!!! She is lookin online at ways to save the planet one day, and found a really cool idea! She found a grant that says, "This is for any local small business that needs a makeover. We will turn it green and make it better. Fill out this grant by the end of the year and enroll it in. We will choose the winner after they are all sent in." Lucy, the main character, knows that this is what she must do. She has her sister's help with filing it out and they send it into the govener. They wait, and wait, and wait.
While they are waiting, her friend, Sunny, finally realizes that there is nothing to be scared about of her crush. They end up becoming good friends and going to the movies. Sunny would have to be my favorite character because of her personality. She is always on the move and wanting to do something. Lucy ends up doing peoples make-up for everything. She fixes hair tramas and make-up messes. She is known as the young grown up for how mature and helpful she is. She feels so good about herself, knowing that she helps everybody. Lucy still waits and waits, and one day she gets a letter.
She doesn't know what to do. She is scared to open it. Lucy doesn't know if she even wants to know whats on the inside. She flips it around, hoping to find good news inside, but she doesn't have to open it. On the back, it says CONGRATULATIONS! Lucy can't barely contain herself. She just saved her family's business! Lucy can't wait to come up with the makeover idea for the pharmacy!! She thinks that she wants to do an eco-spa. Can you imagine saving your own family business, at the age of 12?
This book is about a girl who's family doesn't have much money. She is really struggling. Her family owns a pharmacy and it doesn't get very much business. Plus, her friend now has a crush and is acting very strange about it. She is forced to join this going green club, and figures out that it is really fun!!!! She is lookin online at ways to save the planet one day, and found a really cool idea! She found a grant that says, "This is for any local small business that needs a makeover. We will turn it green and make it better. Fill out this grant by the end of the year and enroll it in. We will choose the winner after they are all sent in." Lucy, the main character, knows that this is what she must do. She has her sister's help with filing it out and they send it into the govener. They wait, and wait, and wait.
While they are waiting, her friend, Sunny, finally realizes that there is nothing to be scared about of her crush. They end up becoming good friends and going to the movies. Sunny would have to be my favorite character because of her personality. She is always on the move and wanting to do something. Lucy ends up doing peoples make-up for everything. She fixes hair tramas and make-up messes. She is known as the young grown up for how mature and helpful she is. She feels so good about herself, knowing that she helps everybody. Lucy still waits and waits, and one day she gets a letter.
She doesn't know what to do. She is scared to open it. Lucy doesn't know if she even wants to know whats on the inside. She flips it around, hoping to find good news inside, but she doesn't have to open it. On the back, it says CONGRATULATIONS! Lucy can't barely contain herself. She just saved her family's business! Lucy can't wait to come up with the makeover idea for the pharmacy!! She thinks that she wants to do an eco-spa. Can you imagine saving your own family business, at the age of 12?
September 30, 2009
Mostly unrealistic characters -
A Yale graduate who lives in her mothers house, with her two daughters, and helps run an old fashion drug store (think medicine, soda fountain, and cosmetics). A 7th grade girl who can fix any hair/beauty problem with her mad skills (and a bottle "Fix-a-Frizz). A best friend with an obnoxious brother, a red rec room, and an extensive collection of hindu figurines.
Although some may relate to the economic struggles the family faces, as they attempt to make mortgage payments and keep their pharmacy afloat, the unrealistic happy ending brought on by a 7th grade girl's plan to run an "eco-spa" makes this debut novel a little too uplifting.
The intergenerational story line is sweet, and for young tween readers - this book may be a good introduction into the less sweet family/romance stories that exist within the YA genre.
A Yale graduate who lives in her mothers house, with her two daughters, and helps run an old fashion drug store (think medicine, soda fountain, and cosmetics). A 7th grade girl who can fix any hair/beauty problem with her mad skills (and a bottle "Fix-a-Frizz). A best friend with an obnoxious brother, a red rec room, and an extensive collection of hindu figurines.
Although some may relate to the economic struggles the family faces, as they attempt to make mortgage payments and keep their pharmacy afloat, the unrealistic happy ending brought on by a 7th grade girl's plan to run an "eco-spa" makes this debut novel a little too uplifting.
The intergenerational story line is sweet, and for young tween readers - this book may be a good introduction into the less sweet family/romance stories that exist within the YA genre.
February 29, 2016
This book was about a girl that had problems with her family and bills. She had a pharmacy and they couldn't afford to keep paying for it because they didn't have enough money to pay for it. She tries to help out her family, but they don't take her seriously because she's still a kid and they think that what she says isn't going to make any sense. I like thins book because it actually has a problem that most families with businesses have.This is a very common problem. I recommend this book to girls that have a family business and can't afford to pay for it. This can really give the girls ideas to keep their business up and running.
June 11, 2012
My Life in PInk and Green is a story about a girl that lives in a small apartment with her mother and grandmother. Her mother and grandmother own a pharmacy. But when the pharmacy starts to go out of business she tries to solve the problem by trying to convince her mother to turn the store into an eco friendly spa, but her mother doesn't totally agree. They decide to start off with adding a relaxation room. She also has a best friend that she does everything with, but when for some reason she starts liking her best friends' brother it all goes wrong.
July 3, 2016
I loved this book!
I really liked how it shows that kids can do anything that they set their minds to, despite what their elders tell them. I also like how it shows things from real-life dramas in middle-school, such as crushes, and school things.
I also liked how this book showed that you should sometimes put a little faith into everyone, because it turns out that they could actually be right, and change the way you look at things.
I recommend this book to ALL readers, but most especially to twelve-year-olds, since it focuses mainly on it.
I really liked how it shows that kids can do anything that they set their minds to, despite what their elders tell them. I also like how it shows things from real-life dramas in middle-school, such as crushes, and school things.
I also liked how this book showed that you should sometimes put a little faith into everyone, because it turns out that they could actually be right, and change the way you look at things.
I recommend this book to ALL readers, but most especially to twelve-year-olds, since it focuses mainly on it.
October 25, 2010
Lucy is supposed to be 12 in this book. Her perception of life doesn't really fit with any 12-year-olds that I know. Good idea, but really? I think Lucy is really 15 going on 20 for most of the book and 10 for the rest of it. (She has great fasion, make-up, school, outlook on life/what is really important, and business sense while not knowing how to act around a grumpy best friend.) I just couldn't pretend that the unbelievable characterization didn't bug me after a while.
January 22, 2017
Middle school fiction sort of makes me lose faith in humanity. No offense to any of the writers of those novels, of course. Middle school is just a dark period in time that I think we should all agree to skip over in any contemporary work of fiction.
October 26, 2024
DNF around 30%. The writing is absolutely terrible and I couldn’t get past the constant whining. Many people admire this book but I just couldn’t get through it!
September 17, 2019
Imagine having a great well run family business and one day that just changes and takes the wrong turn. Lucy and her family own a pharmacy that used to be the best place to go to after school or before you hit the movies next door. As we know things don't always stay the same. Lucy, a teenage girl spends day after day in the old pharmacy trying to save their pharmacy that is slowly going out of business. Then, Lucy goes home late to their old worn down house where the electrical bills can’t be paid, the kitchen supplies are rusty and the AC is limited. Lucy lives with her mom, grandma and her sister who is lucky enough to be attending a private school far away from her struggling family.
In the story My Life In Pink And Green, I wish they could have talked a little more about the grandmother and her mom's view of this terrible situation. I know Lucy was the main character so we know a lot about her but her mom and grandmother at one point play a huge role in Lucy's life. Maybe if we had a better understanding of them we would appreciate their perspective on the tragic situation they are going through. The author Lisa Greenwald is saying a lot about how Lucy feels. She explains that Lucy feels like she is hopeless and anything she does is just another one of her useless ideas on how to fix her situation, but how do Lucy's mom and grandma feel? On the positive side, I really liked that Greenwald used such great ways of describing the situation Lucy and her family are in. At points I could almost picture it all. For example, Greenwald writes, “Grandma’s face falls. The tension in the room seems to be expanding like a balloon that’s about to pop.” Greenwald really hooked me in by using similes and descriptive words that helped me picture what was going on.
Now imagine having your best friend who knows everything about your life and has always been there for you. How would you feel if she has never been to your house because your family is poor and your house is a mess. That is how Lucy lives. In comparison, her best friend Sunny has a nice house that her family lives in. Lucy spends almost everyday at Sunny's house, whether it's just for dinner or even for the night. Sunny and her family always welcome Lucy in. They try to help out and support the pharmacy and Lucy's family but it takes more than five hands to help out people in their situation. Lucys spends lots of time at Sunny’s house. Its where she goes when she can’t go home because her mom and grandmother are working or when she just needs somewhere to go after school. Sunny's family is very supportive and always has their best intentions towards Lucy and her family.
Greenwald did a great job describing the relationship between Sunny and Lucy. Not many people will have their best friend over almost everyday and receive nothing in return. Greenwald did not just show the good sides of Lucy and Sunny’s relationship. She showed that they have fights and that they don’t have the perfect relationship but always find a way to fix it. There was one fight Sunny and Lucy had over a boy in the middle of the mall. The author showed how they have their times of getting mad at each other but they always support each other. There are a lot of relationships that go on during this book so I would highly suggest it to anyone who is interested in this because that is basically the whole book. If you’re someone who likes to read about other people's lives and how they might have it different than you, then this book is great for you. This book has many reviews from publishers: Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, the Booklist etc. All of these publishers have said nothing but good about the book. “A playful, thought-provoking novel of girl power” said The Washington Post. “Greenwald makes a bright debut” Said Publishers Weekly.
As Lucy moves on in her life the pharmacy progressively gets worse. Lucy does not want to accept that she may no longer have the place she calls a second home. Things are not really going great for Lucy’s family, but who knows? Maybe Lucy not wanting to accept that the pharmacy may be gone forever is good. Maybe things will change? Maybe Lucy’s determination will come out on top and she will become the reason why things turn out the way they do…
In the story My Life In Pink And Green, I wish they could have talked a little more about the grandmother and her mom's view of this terrible situation. I know Lucy was the main character so we know a lot about her but her mom and grandmother at one point play a huge role in Lucy's life. Maybe if we had a better understanding of them we would appreciate their perspective on the tragic situation they are going through. The author Lisa Greenwald is saying a lot about how Lucy feels. She explains that Lucy feels like she is hopeless and anything she does is just another one of her useless ideas on how to fix her situation, but how do Lucy's mom and grandma feel? On the positive side, I really liked that Greenwald used such great ways of describing the situation Lucy and her family are in. At points I could almost picture it all. For example, Greenwald writes, “Grandma’s face falls. The tension in the room seems to be expanding like a balloon that’s about to pop.” Greenwald really hooked me in by using similes and descriptive words that helped me picture what was going on.
Now imagine having your best friend who knows everything about your life and has always been there for you. How would you feel if she has never been to your house because your family is poor and your house is a mess. That is how Lucy lives. In comparison, her best friend Sunny has a nice house that her family lives in. Lucy spends almost everyday at Sunny's house, whether it's just for dinner or even for the night. Sunny and her family always welcome Lucy in. They try to help out and support the pharmacy and Lucy's family but it takes more than five hands to help out people in their situation. Lucys spends lots of time at Sunny’s house. Its where she goes when she can’t go home because her mom and grandmother are working or when she just needs somewhere to go after school. Sunny's family is very supportive and always has their best intentions towards Lucy and her family.
Greenwald did a great job describing the relationship between Sunny and Lucy. Not many people will have their best friend over almost everyday and receive nothing in return. Greenwald did not just show the good sides of Lucy and Sunny’s relationship. She showed that they have fights and that they don’t have the perfect relationship but always find a way to fix it. There was one fight Sunny and Lucy had over a boy in the middle of the mall. The author showed how they have their times of getting mad at each other but they always support each other. There are a lot of relationships that go on during this book so I would highly suggest it to anyone who is interested in this because that is basically the whole book. If you’re someone who likes to read about other people's lives and how they might have it different than you, then this book is great for you. This book has many reviews from publishers: Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, the Booklist etc. All of these publishers have said nothing but good about the book. “A playful, thought-provoking novel of girl power” said The Washington Post. “Greenwald makes a bright debut” Said Publishers Weekly.
As Lucy moves on in her life the pharmacy progressively gets worse. Lucy does not want to accept that she may no longer have the place she calls a second home. Things are not really going great for Lucy’s family, but who knows? Maybe Lucy not wanting to accept that the pharmacy may be gone forever is good. Maybe things will change? Maybe Lucy’s determination will come out on top and she will become the reason why things turn out the way they do…
December 23, 2021
Really cute! Made me want to start a spa haha
November 16, 2024
Soooo cutie, Lucy sounds exactly how I sounded when I was 12 like 100% they nailed it. I never read the other books in the series but maybe I will now?
February 14, 2025
Nothing happened in this book
April 8, 2024
12 year old Lucy decides to save her family's pharmacy, whilst giving makeovers.
April 20, 2011
Lucy Desberg is determined to help her mother and grandmother save their family pharmacy from bankruptcy. Burdened with bills they cannot pay, Lucy’s grandmother is convinced they will to sell all they have to make ends meet. But Lucy comes up with a plan to “diversify” business – add a day spa, incorporate “green” business practices, and apply for a city grant, in hopes of saving their livelihood.
By far, this was the WORST book club selection I’ve read. I hated this book from page one. So much so, I can’t even manage to rehash all that I thought that was wrong with this book, but for a brief outline here is what I had issues with:
• Completely unrealistic characters
• Poorly developed plot
• Age inappropriate relationships (12 year olds dating)
• Age inappropriate activities (and not morally inappropriate, but maturity level inappropriate)
• The use of the name of deity, over and over again.
However, the girls were extremely prepared for our discussion! This was a complete 180° from last month where they totally spaced it. They had some very thoughtful questions, like, “what would you do to help save a family business?” to “Would you be jealous if you best friend started dating sibling?” Of course, there were the throw away questions like, “what is your favorite lip gloss?” But we spent far more time discussing the book than last month. And I was the ONLY mom to finish this book…to confirm the poor quality of our reading choice (at least for the adults!).
I am excited for our May selection (and last for the school year!) – Lois Lowry’s The Birthday Ball. Our favorite book this year, as a whole, was The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry, so I look forward to reading more of her works.
By far, this was the WORST book club selection I’ve read. I hated this book from page one. So much so, I can’t even manage to rehash all that I thought that was wrong with this book, but for a brief outline here is what I had issues with:
• Completely unrealistic characters
• Poorly developed plot
• Age inappropriate relationships (12 year olds dating)
• Age inappropriate activities (and not morally inappropriate, but maturity level inappropriate)
• The use of the name of deity, over and over again.
However, the girls were extremely prepared for our discussion! This was a complete 180° from last month where they totally spaced it. They had some very thoughtful questions, like, “what would you do to help save a family business?” to “Would you be jealous if you best friend started dating sibling?” Of course, there were the throw away questions like, “what is your favorite lip gloss?” But we spent far more time discussing the book than last month. And I was the ONLY mom to finish this book…to confirm the poor quality of our reading choice (at least for the adults!).
I am excited for our May selection (and last for the school year!) – Lois Lowry’s The Birthday Ball. Our favorite book this year, as a whole, was The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry, so I look forward to reading more of her works.
May 23, 2009
Realistic fiction, small town, friendship, family drugstore, makeup and beauty tips, middle school crushes.
Lucy Desberg is a 12 year old girl who opens the family mail and realizes they are about to lose their pharmacy. Business isn't good anymore because people are going to big box stores to purchase groceries and fill their prescriptions at the same time. One of her hobbies is playing around with and applying makeup on her older sister. Eventually she decides to use these skills to help the young girls in her town look beautiful for the school dances, weddings and special events. One important line, "I don't like it when people say makeup makes you prettier. That's not really true. Makeup can make you feel a little better about yourself" (p. 94) rang true. The high school girls nick name Lucy the makeup goddess.
At this same time Lucy joins the Earth Club at her school and begins thinking about convincing her family to turn the business into a green pharmacy. She also begins researching eco spas and dreams of opening one next door to the pharmacy. Eventually with the help of her older sister she fills out a "Going Green Grant" for local small businesses to see if her dream can become a reality.
I enjoyed reading this book since a middle school kid is trying to make a bad situation that adults caused and try to make it better. Only girls would enjoy this book because of all of the makeup talk and boy crushes. It was a fun enjoyable read.
Lucy Desberg is a 12 year old girl who opens the family mail and realizes they are about to lose their pharmacy. Business isn't good anymore because people are going to big box stores to purchase groceries and fill their prescriptions at the same time. One of her hobbies is playing around with and applying makeup on her older sister. Eventually she decides to use these skills to help the young girls in her town look beautiful for the school dances, weddings and special events. One important line, "I don't like it when people say makeup makes you prettier. That's not really true. Makeup can make you feel a little better about yourself" (p. 94) rang true. The high school girls nick name Lucy the makeup goddess.
At this same time Lucy joins the Earth Club at her school and begins thinking about convincing her family to turn the business into a green pharmacy. She also begins researching eco spas and dreams of opening one next door to the pharmacy. Eventually with the help of her older sister she fills out a "Going Green Grant" for local small businesses to see if her dream can become a reality.
I enjoyed reading this book since a middle school kid is trying to make a bad situation that adults caused and try to make it better. Only girls would enjoy this book because of all of the makeup talk and boy crushes. It was a fun enjoyable read.
January 17, 2013
I have just finished reading My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald. Lucy Desberg, her mother, and grandmother work at a family famacy. Lucy has been there as long as she can remember and has had nothing but good times. When suddenly, she revealed a secret, the phamacy can't afford to pay all the bills. Unless they get some serious cash, it might close! It just so happens on High School, Homecoming night, that Courtney Adner, Homecoming Queen for two years in a row, comes in with (A very wonderful) hair disaster! When Lucy gives her tips on her hair, and helps her with it, word gets out, and now Lucy can't do anything BUT makeovers. Now if only word could get out to her family that she's not just a 12 year old...
I tink the auther does a very good job on the story. Lucy seems like a wonderful girl an has lots of thoughts, feelings and character. She is really stubborn, but that can be a good thing when your family buiness is about to close. Though I like Lucy, my favorite character is her best friend, Sunny. Sunny is really sweet and ould do anything for Lucy. (Lucy would also do anything for Sunny) Sunny and Lucy's relationship reminds me of my friends and I's relationship. We are over at eachothers house all the time, and we would do anything for eachother. Overall, I rate this book 5 stars. *****
It can really relate to alot of people and it is kind of addidcting. I highly recommend this book for Dylan
I tink the auther does a very good job on the story. Lucy seems like a wonderful girl an has lots of thoughts, feelings and character. She is really stubborn, but that can be a good thing when your family buiness is about to close. Though I like Lucy, my favorite character is her best friend, Sunny. Sunny is really sweet and ould do anything for Lucy. (Lucy would also do anything for Sunny) Sunny and Lucy's relationship reminds me of my friends and I's relationship. We are over at eachothers house all the time, and we would do anything for eachother. Overall, I rate this book 5 stars. *****
It can really relate to alot of people and it is kind of addidcting. I highly recommend this book for Dylan
September 11, 2015
genre: realistic fiction
summary: Lucy's family has been running the town pharmacy for as long as she can remember. Now it is in danger of going under. When one of the popular high school girls comes into the store with a "hair crisis". Lucy steps in to help out (with suggestions for beauty fixes she learned from her older sister Claudia). This impromptu makeover leads to Lucy's spa business something she thinks will save the store. Especially if they can become an earth friendly eco-spa. She and her sister work to summit a propsal to win the town's green business grant. Meanwhile Lucy's dealing with best friend's who have crushes, extracurriculars, mean girls and all that other middle school stuff.
notes: popular with our tweens, mentions crushes and dating without going into anything more steamy than hand holding (no kissing or anything like that)
for kids who like: girly, Wendy Mass - birthdays,
age group: age 10+
my review: Honestly this was predictable, girly, and an easy read. All not really my thing but I can see why our tweens like it. Props for the inclusion of diverse characters without pandering or overly drawing attention to it. Lucy is 12 and acts wayyyyy mature for her age. Her mother and grandmother seem to have an interesting dynamic and could be interesting characters but I definitely feel like they werent fleshed out enough.
summary: Lucy's family has been running the town pharmacy for as long as she can remember. Now it is in danger of going under. When one of the popular high school girls comes into the store with a "hair crisis". Lucy steps in to help out (with suggestions for beauty fixes she learned from her older sister Claudia). This impromptu makeover leads to Lucy's spa business something she thinks will save the store. Especially if they can become an earth friendly eco-spa. She and her sister work to summit a propsal to win the town's green business grant. Meanwhile Lucy's dealing with best friend's who have crushes, extracurriculars, mean girls and all that other middle school stuff.
notes: popular with our tweens, mentions crushes and dating without going into anything more steamy than hand holding (no kissing or anything like that)
for kids who like: girly, Wendy Mass - birthdays,
age group: age 10+
my review: Honestly this was predictable, girly, and an easy read. All not really my thing but I can see why our tweens like it. Props for the inclusion of diverse characters without pandering or overly drawing attention to it. Lucy is 12 and acts wayyyyy mature for her age. Her mother and grandmother seem to have an interesting dynamic and could be interesting characters but I definitely feel like they werent fleshed out enough.
December 7, 2011
My Life in Pink and Green
by Lisa Greenwald
Anyone who knows me can tell you that I am a recycling fool. If I could “Go Green” all the way and minimize my impact on the Earth (otherwise known as my carbon signature) I would. It's hard work sometimes, lugging dirty plastic and smelly cardboard to the recycling center, but I feel good about doing it even though my friends sometimes tease me. So what does going green have to do with a pharmacy that is best known for its cosmetics and Lucy, its young makeup artist? It doesn't really, that is until Lucy discovers her family business is going under, and they may lose not only their business but their home. Lucy isn't satisfied to sit back and let this happen; and when the answers unexpectedly fall in her lap during an Earth Club meeting, Lucy must try and convince her mother and grandmother that she may have a solution to their troubles. While this book might be a little young for some of our readers, I certainly had fun reading it. Remember that first crush you had and how funny you felt every time you saw him in school? The author does a great job showing how awkward a first crush is, and how hard it is to get an adult to listen to you when you're only twelve.
by Lisa Greenwald
Anyone who knows me can tell you that I am a recycling fool. If I could “Go Green” all the way and minimize my impact on the Earth (otherwise known as my carbon signature) I would. It's hard work sometimes, lugging dirty plastic and smelly cardboard to the recycling center, but I feel good about doing it even though my friends sometimes tease me. So what does going green have to do with a pharmacy that is best known for its cosmetics and Lucy, its young makeup artist? It doesn't really, that is until Lucy discovers her family business is going under, and they may lose not only their business but their home. Lucy isn't satisfied to sit back and let this happen; and when the answers unexpectedly fall in her lap during an Earth Club meeting, Lucy must try and convince her mother and grandmother that she may have a solution to their troubles. While this book might be a little young for some of our readers, I certainly had fun reading it. Remember that first crush you had and how funny you felt every time you saw him in school? The author does a great job showing how awkward a first crush is, and how hard it is to get an adult to listen to you when you're only twelve.
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