BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
I Celebrate My Skin
Nonku Kunene Adumetey
2022 Silver Medal
38 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
I Celebrate My Skin by Nonku Kunene Adumetey teaches that we are born with different shades of skin color and although the colors differ, we have so much in common. Our skin is our biggest organ and keeps us warm in the winter and cools us in the summer. We use our five senses to see, hear, smell, feel and taste and we use the functions of our body parts in the same way. We are not different from each other and must love ourselves as our skin color makes us who we are. Children love and care about each other despite the difference in skin color and they hold hands and play together. They are happy to be friends despite skin color, gender, or culture. We as adults can learn from children that who we are is more important than our skin color.
In I Celebrate My Skin, Nonku Kunene Adumetey teaches children to be happy with the skin that they are born in and that everyone is unique. The book was beautifully written and children can relate to the story and the illustrations. Children will learn to accept who they are and how they look and love themselves and others. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and appealing. The children’s faces are realistic and everyone is happy. The different communities and cultures in the world are represented in this story. There are activities at the back of the book, which is a fun way for young readers to engage and learn more. This is an inspiring tale with a powerful message for young children and parents.
I Celebrate My Skin by Nonku Kunene Adumetey teaches that we are born with different shades of skin color and although the colors differ, we have so much in common. Our skin is our biggest organ and keeps us warm in the winter and cools us in the summer. We use our five senses to see, hear, smell, feel and taste and we use the functions of our body parts in the same way. We are not different from each other and must love ourselves as our skin color makes us who we are. Children love and care about each other despite the difference in skin color and they hold hands and play together. They are happy to be friends despite skin color, gender, or culture. We as adults can learn from children that who we are is more important than our skin color.
In I Celebrate My Skin, Nonku Kunene Adumetey teaches children to be happy with the skin that they are born in and that everyone is unique. The book was beautifully written and children can relate to the story and the illustrations. Children will learn to accept who they are and how they look and love themselves and others. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and appealing. The children’s faces are realistic and everyone is happy. The different communities and cultures in the world are represented in this story. There are activities at the back of the book, which is a fun way for young readers to engage and learn more. This is an inspiring tale with a powerful message for young children and parents.
Recommend this book:
This Kid Can Hyperfocus
An Inclusive Story of Friendship and Determination
Patty DeDurr
2022 Gold Medal
36 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Lois J Wickstrom for Readers' Favorite
A young goat, a kid, gets creative when he has a goal. Today his goal is to get all the other animals on the farm where he lives to smile and laugh. He wears a necklace with beads that spell out the word SMILE. He does his best with each animal. He tells jokes, and he rolls in the mud. He sings, he dances, he breaks a pumpkin and puts it on his head like a silly orange stringy hat. The joyous illustrations by Eduardo Paj bring all these ideas to life. The animals love his antics. This kid can now brag that he is the funniest kid on the farm. This Kid Can Hyperfocus: An Inclusive Story of Friendship and Determination by Patty DeDurr shows that determined work and creativity can accomplish goals.
This Kid Can Hyperfocus written by Patty DeDurr and illustrated by Eduardo Paj is published by Sensing Greatness, where the motto is “Neurodiverse children will change the world.” The kid (young goat) in this story can focus intently on a goal. Not everyone can do this. Not everyone wants to. This story was written to honor children who have and use this ability. This book can be a starting place for kids to talk about their talents and preferences. The colorful and energetic art makes it clear that the kid in this story loves being who he is and accomplishing his chosen goals. This kid also enjoys hula hooping and juggling at the same time. In this tale, he has set a difficult goal because it isn’t something he can do by himself. It’s something that requires other animals to do what he wants. Good thing he has fun doing it.
A young goat, a kid, gets creative when he has a goal. Today his goal is to get all the other animals on the farm where he lives to smile and laugh. He wears a necklace with beads that spell out the word SMILE. He does his best with each animal. He tells jokes, and he rolls in the mud. He sings, he dances, he breaks a pumpkin and puts it on his head like a silly orange stringy hat. The joyous illustrations by Eduardo Paj bring all these ideas to life. The animals love his antics. This kid can now brag that he is the funniest kid on the farm. This Kid Can Hyperfocus: An Inclusive Story of Friendship and Determination by Patty DeDurr shows that determined work and creativity can accomplish goals.
This Kid Can Hyperfocus written by Patty DeDurr and illustrated by Eduardo Paj is published by Sensing Greatness, where the motto is “Neurodiverse children will change the world.” The kid (young goat) in this story can focus intently on a goal. Not everyone can do this. Not everyone wants to. This story was written to honor children who have and use this ability. This book can be a starting place for kids to talk about their talents and preferences. The colorful and energetic art makes it clear that the kid in this story loves being who he is and accomplishing his chosen goals. This kid also enjoys hula hooping and juggling at the same time. In this tale, he has set a difficult goal because it isn’t something he can do by himself. It’s something that requires other animals to do what he wants. Good thing he has fun doing it.
Recommend this book:
Big H and Little h Dog
A Disability Awareness Inclusive Children's Book Full of Hope!
Victoria Smith
2021 Bronze Medal
35 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Big H and Little h Dog, written by Victoria Smith and illustrated by Sketchy La Rue, is a children's inspirational book about a dog who wishes for nothing more than to be able to run and play. Little h is introduced in the middle of a dream where he imagines himself in several different scenarios that are not possible for him as a differently-abled dog. Little h has a form of muscular dystrophy where, as he ages, his muscles continue to get weaker, but he remains hopeful on his outings to a local park where he is content watching other dogs having fun. Fortunately, Little h has a champion in his human parent named Big H, and Big H is seriously and actively trying to find a way to literally get Little h back up and running. As Big H and Little h work diligently on fundraising and seeking out vets who may be able to help regardless of their location, the publicity around their plight grows and blossoms through the caring of strangers.
Victoria Smith writes an endearing and accessible tale as young readers are brought into the life of a differently-abled dog in Big H and Little h Dog. Aside from the awareness generated through a story that introduces children, many for the very first time, to diseases that result in muscle degeneration, Smith uses a strong foundation of hope and emphasizes the importance of perseverance...not just for those afflicted and their families, but all of the little future champions who may not even know someone who is afflicted but still will want to help. The illustrations created by Sketchy La Rue tie the whole package together by giving a cute and colorful depiction of the lives of Big H and Little h. The artwork is original and clean and the illustrations are perfectly suited in the context of a book about a scrappy little dog with a lot of pluck. I embraced this story in the same way that I imagine all others who read it will do too.
Big H and Little h Dog, written by Victoria Smith and illustrated by Sketchy La Rue, is a children's inspirational book about a dog who wishes for nothing more than to be able to run and play. Little h is introduced in the middle of a dream where he imagines himself in several different scenarios that are not possible for him as a differently-abled dog. Little h has a form of muscular dystrophy where, as he ages, his muscles continue to get weaker, but he remains hopeful on his outings to a local park where he is content watching other dogs having fun. Fortunately, Little h has a champion in his human parent named Big H, and Big H is seriously and actively trying to find a way to literally get Little h back up and running. As Big H and Little h work diligently on fundraising and seeking out vets who may be able to help regardless of their location, the publicity around their plight grows and blossoms through the caring of strangers.
Victoria Smith writes an endearing and accessible tale as young readers are brought into the life of a differently-abled dog in Big H and Little h Dog. Aside from the awareness generated through a story that introduces children, many for the very first time, to diseases that result in muscle degeneration, Smith uses a strong foundation of hope and emphasizes the importance of perseverance...not just for those afflicted and their families, but all of the little future champions who may not even know someone who is afflicted but still will want to help. The illustrations created by Sketchy La Rue tie the whole package together by giving a cute and colorful depiction of the lives of Big H and Little h. The artwork is original and clean and the illustrations are perfectly suited in the context of a book about a scrappy little dog with a lot of pluck. I embraced this story in the same way that I imagine all others who read it will do too.
Recommend this book:
A Child Called You
JD Wise
2021 Bronze Medal
38 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
A Child Called You is a work of children's fiction penned by author JD Wise. Are you friends with everyone regardless of how they look or the color of their skin? Do you stand up to bullies? Do you take the time to help others? Or are you too focussed on yourself and filled with greed? Did you know that even the smallest act of kindness makes you a bigger, better person and it makes the world a better place in which to live? It’s true. If we all took a minute to consider those around us before ourselves, we could make a whole lot of positive difference to everyone’s lives, including our own.
JD Wise’s picture book story, A Child Called You, is a powerful statement directed at young readers to encourage them to think beyond themselves and to care about others and the world around them. Told in rhyming verse, the author cleverly depicts all kinds of plausible scenarios, from obeying parents to helping those in need and standing up to the injustice of bullies. The author uses simple language so that beginner readers can easily follow along. There are many words displayed in various fonts to emphasize the point being made. The illustrations are bright and colorful and help carry the ideas forward. We all need to learn and be told over and over again how important it is to care about those around us, and to put others first.
A Child Called You is a work of children's fiction penned by author JD Wise. Are you friends with everyone regardless of how they look or the color of their skin? Do you stand up to bullies? Do you take the time to help others? Or are you too focussed on yourself and filled with greed? Did you know that even the smallest act of kindness makes you a bigger, better person and it makes the world a better place in which to live? It’s true. If we all took a minute to consider those around us before ourselves, we could make a whole lot of positive difference to everyone’s lives, including our own.
JD Wise’s picture book story, A Child Called You, is a powerful statement directed at young readers to encourage them to think beyond themselves and to care about others and the world around them. Told in rhyming verse, the author cleverly depicts all kinds of plausible scenarios, from obeying parents to helping those in need and standing up to the injustice of bullies. The author uses simple language so that beginner readers can easily follow along. There are many words displayed in various fonts to emphasize the point being made. The illustrations are bright and colorful and help carry the ideas forward. We all need to learn and be told over and over again how important it is to care about those around us, and to put others first.
Recommend this book:
Willie
A Super Friend (Mom's Choice Award Recipient)
Barry Kienzle
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
We’re all different. Sometimes our differences make us stronger. That’s certainly the case for Willie. He has cerebral palsy and moves around in a wheelchair. He still wants to play with other children his age. Only, like Willie’s mother, the other children are worried they might hurt Willie due to his so-called handicap. He’s determined to prove them wrong. After donning a superhero cape, he returns to the playground and starts shooting hoops, moving about the court like anyone else might do on two legs, only Willie’s in a wheelchair. Other special needs children join in the fun and soon everyone, even those who were afraid of hurting Willie, join in.
Barry Kienzle’s picture book story, Willie: A Super Friend, is based on a true story. There are even photographs of the real Willie in his superhero cape at the end of the book. The story is told in simple language so young readers can follow along as they learn to read the story themselves. These young readers will instantly feel a connection to Willie and to the uncertainty of other children on the playground. Perhaps the situation in the story will compare to something they have experienced. Young readers will learn about cerebral palsy, living in a wheelchair or with other special needs, and how one’s differences define who they are and how strong they are.
Willie is definitely a strong person, both inside and out, and young readers will instantly see that. They’ll be cheering him on as he wheels his chair around the basketball court. But Willie learned an important lesson, too, that handicaps, special needs, whatever you want to call it that make us appear different, are all in the mind, not in the heart and the willpower to succeed. Beautiful illustrations that complement the story. Told with compassion and attention to detail.
We’re all different. Sometimes our differences make us stronger. That’s certainly the case for Willie. He has cerebral palsy and moves around in a wheelchair. He still wants to play with other children his age. Only, like Willie’s mother, the other children are worried they might hurt Willie due to his so-called handicap. He’s determined to prove them wrong. After donning a superhero cape, he returns to the playground and starts shooting hoops, moving about the court like anyone else might do on two legs, only Willie’s in a wheelchair. Other special needs children join in the fun and soon everyone, even those who were afraid of hurting Willie, join in.
Barry Kienzle’s picture book story, Willie: A Super Friend, is based on a true story. There are even photographs of the real Willie in his superhero cape at the end of the book. The story is told in simple language so young readers can follow along as they learn to read the story themselves. These young readers will instantly feel a connection to Willie and to the uncertainty of other children on the playground. Perhaps the situation in the story will compare to something they have experienced. Young readers will learn about cerebral palsy, living in a wheelchair or with other special needs, and how one’s differences define who they are and how strong they are.
Willie is definitely a strong person, both inside and out, and young readers will instantly see that. They’ll be cheering him on as he wheels his chair around the basketball court. But Willie learned an important lesson, too, that handicaps, special needs, whatever you want to call it that make us appear different, are all in the mind, not in the heart and the willpower to succeed. Beautiful illustrations that complement the story. Told with compassion and attention to detail.
Recommend this book:
Wipe the Slate Clean
The Story of Nester the Pester
Lauretha Ward
2021 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Nester the Pester is a bully. He steals from others, makes fun of them, and pushes them around. Even in class, Nester can’t settle down and pay attention; he’s always causing mischief. One day, his teacher reads a story about a bully. Nester tries not to listen, but somehow the story gets through. Nester is suddenly very sad. Is he really as bad as the bully in the story? Can he change? He does some deep soul-searching that night and asks for God’s forgiveness and help. But change is not so easy, especially in the schoolyard where most of the children are still afraid of the mean bully, Nester. His teacher comes to the rescue and everyone learns the power of forgiveness and that everyone deserves another chance.
Lauretha Ward’s picture book story, Wipe the Slate Clean: The Story of Nester the Pester, takes a different approach to discuss the very difficult issue of bullying. In this story, the main character is actually the bully. Told in rhyming verse and accompanied by colorful illustrations, the plot follows Nester's evolution from the mean bully, the resistant student, to the boy who wants to be forgiven, to be given a second chance. The author uses the metaphor of a clean slate to explain the need to forgive and to give others a second chance. The book concludes with a list of definitions for some of the more complicated words and some questions to lead students in a discussion on bullying and forgiveness. There is also a link provided to the author’s website where young people can find extra activities, coloring pages, and a literacy lesson plan. This book is a great resource as well as a powerful story about forgiveness.
Nester the Pester is a bully. He steals from others, makes fun of them, and pushes them around. Even in class, Nester can’t settle down and pay attention; he’s always causing mischief. One day, his teacher reads a story about a bully. Nester tries not to listen, but somehow the story gets through. Nester is suddenly very sad. Is he really as bad as the bully in the story? Can he change? He does some deep soul-searching that night and asks for God’s forgiveness and help. But change is not so easy, especially in the schoolyard where most of the children are still afraid of the mean bully, Nester. His teacher comes to the rescue and everyone learns the power of forgiveness and that everyone deserves another chance.
Lauretha Ward’s picture book story, Wipe the Slate Clean: The Story of Nester the Pester, takes a different approach to discuss the very difficult issue of bullying. In this story, the main character is actually the bully. Told in rhyming verse and accompanied by colorful illustrations, the plot follows Nester's evolution from the mean bully, the resistant student, to the boy who wants to be forgiven, to be given a second chance. The author uses the metaphor of a clean slate to explain the need to forgive and to give others a second chance. The book concludes with a list of definitions for some of the more complicated words and some questions to lead students in a discussion on bullying and forgiveness. There is also a link provided to the author’s website where young people can find extra activities, coloring pages, and a literacy lesson plan. This book is a great resource as well as a powerful story about forgiveness.
Recommend this book:
Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down
A story about sensory differences
Lindsey Parker
2021 Silver Medal
50 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
A little girl can’t sit still; it gives her the jitters. She has to run, stomp her feet, tap her fork on the table during mealtime – there are all kinds of neurosensory actions that calm the nerves, especially for someone who is neurodiverse or even autistic. Lindsey Parker’s picture book story, Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down: A story about sensory differences Sounds and actions points out that even sand on the hand can cause a near panic attack until the stomping, shaking, or running removes the issue. This little girl needs to feel in control, through her sound actions and constant body motion. And, when things get out of control, like when the sand from the sandbox won’t brush off her hands, she panics.
We are constantly being reminded to accept visual differences among our peers, but there are other differences, too, some not as visual or comprehensible. There are many sensory differences that most people fail to recognize or understand. Lindsey Parker’s picture book story, Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down tackles the issue of sensory differences. Cleverly, the author takes the young reader on a day’s journey through the life of one little girl and all the things she feels compelled to do to calm her jitters. Using simple language and a lot of bold onomatopoeia words to visually express the sounds of things like stomping and tapping, the author has presented these differences in a clear, entertaining way that will also educate young readers so they can understand better what many adults still don’t understand – that we are all different, inside and out. The colorful illustrations are active and engaging and help carry the story along. The author concludes with the best solution of all: a hug from Mom.
A little girl can’t sit still; it gives her the jitters. She has to run, stomp her feet, tap her fork on the table during mealtime – there are all kinds of neurosensory actions that calm the nerves, especially for someone who is neurodiverse or even autistic. Lindsey Parker’s picture book story, Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down: A story about sensory differences Sounds and actions points out that even sand on the hand can cause a near panic attack until the stomping, shaking, or running removes the issue. This little girl needs to feel in control, through her sound actions and constant body motion. And, when things get out of control, like when the sand from the sandbox won’t brush off her hands, she panics.
We are constantly being reminded to accept visual differences among our peers, but there are other differences, too, some not as visual or comprehensible. There are many sensory differences that most people fail to recognize or understand. Lindsey Parker’s picture book story, Wiggles, Stomps, and Squeezes Calm My Jitters Down tackles the issue of sensory differences. Cleverly, the author takes the young reader on a day’s journey through the life of one little girl and all the things she feels compelled to do to calm her jitters. Using simple language and a lot of bold onomatopoeia words to visually express the sounds of things like stomping and tapping, the author has presented these differences in a clear, entertaining way that will also educate young readers so they can understand better what many adults still don’t understand – that we are all different, inside and out. The colorful illustrations are active and engaging and help carry the story along. The author concludes with the best solution of all: a hug from Mom.
Recommend this book:
Tiny Polly
The Story of a Brave Chicken
Jinan Samman
2021 Gold Medal
32 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Joanne Ang for Readers' Favorite
Tiny Polly: The Story of a Brave Chicken is a picture book written by Jinan Samman and illustrated by Evgeniya Kozhevnikova for young readers. The story starts with a special chicken named Polly. Polly is unique because she is the smallest chicken of the flock at the farm. Because of her small stature, Polly is an outcast and has no friends. However, Polly has a great heart. This book will take you on an adventure with Polly that will surely leave a lasting mark through its valuable lessons on bravery and kindness.
With its simple and easy-to-understand writing, Jinan Samman does a fabulous job on Tiny Polly. The life lessons set out by Polly are short and logical, highly suitable for young children who have just started reading. I like how Jinan included Polly’s negative emotions in the story, such as sad feelings and loneliness that came from being an outcast. It teaches children from an early age to be more aware of people they might unintentionally hurt, just because they are different. I think Tiny Polly conveys the lesson elegantly. I love the beautiful artwork illustrated by Evgeniya. The watercolors give the story an organic feel that reminds me of the storybooks I read when I was a child. As I grew older, I started to appreciate the artwork behind each book, and I am sure the illustrations in Tiny Polly will leave the same impression on young readers. With its brilliant storyline, well-thought-out lessons, and beautifully drawn pictures, I highly recommend this book.
Tiny Polly: The Story of a Brave Chicken is a picture book written by Jinan Samman and illustrated by Evgeniya Kozhevnikova for young readers. The story starts with a special chicken named Polly. Polly is unique because she is the smallest chicken of the flock at the farm. Because of her small stature, Polly is an outcast and has no friends. However, Polly has a great heart. This book will take you on an adventure with Polly that will surely leave a lasting mark through its valuable lessons on bravery and kindness.
With its simple and easy-to-understand writing, Jinan Samman does a fabulous job on Tiny Polly. The life lessons set out by Polly are short and logical, highly suitable for young children who have just started reading. I like how Jinan included Polly’s negative emotions in the story, such as sad feelings and loneliness that came from being an outcast. It teaches children from an early age to be more aware of people they might unintentionally hurt, just because they are different. I think Tiny Polly conveys the lesson elegantly. I love the beautiful artwork illustrated by Evgeniya. The watercolors give the story an organic feel that reminds me of the storybooks I read when I was a child. As I grew older, I started to appreciate the artwork behind each book, and I am sure the illustrations in Tiny Polly will leave the same impression on young readers. With its brilliant storyline, well-thought-out lessons, and beautifully drawn pictures, I highly recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Urban Playground
What Kids Say About Living in San Francisco
Katie Burke
2020 Finalist
171 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Rebecca S Winner for Readers' Favorite
Urban Playground: What Kids Say about Living in San Francisco by Katie Burke is a non-fiction book about fifty children ages five to nine who are growing up in San Francisco. For the first five children, the author asked questions about the makeup of their family. The next group of five children were asked about their favorite food. This questioning pattern continued with the questions being about: heroes, their favorite holiday, their pets, their school, what sports they play, what talents they have, where they like to go on vacation, and what career they think they might have when they are older. After each child's answers there is a section about what can be learned about San Francisco from this child. Then there is always a set of discussion questions that might begin a dialogue between teachers and children, or parents and children.
My favorite thing about Urban Playground: What Kids Say about Living in San Francisco by Katie Burke is the funny things kids say. I learned a lot about San Francisco from this book. I enjoyed finding out how many of the children at this young age are learning other languages. I like that there are several nationalities represented in the children who were chosen. I think the discussion questions are a great way to begin a dialogue with children. I appreciated the humor in the sections where the author summed up what can be learned about San Francisco from the child's answers. It is encouraging to find out that there are children who are out doing sports, walking dogs in parks, going swimming and surfing and not just being attached to an electronic device.
Urban Playground: What Kids Say about Living in San Francisco by Katie Burke is a non-fiction book about fifty children ages five to nine who are growing up in San Francisco. For the first five children, the author asked questions about the makeup of their family. The next group of five children were asked about their favorite food. This questioning pattern continued with the questions being about: heroes, their favorite holiday, their pets, their school, what sports they play, what talents they have, where they like to go on vacation, and what career they think they might have when they are older. After each child's answers there is a section about what can be learned about San Francisco from this child. Then there is always a set of discussion questions that might begin a dialogue between teachers and children, or parents and children.
My favorite thing about Urban Playground: What Kids Say about Living in San Francisco by Katie Burke is the funny things kids say. I learned a lot about San Francisco from this book. I enjoyed finding out how many of the children at this young age are learning other languages. I like that there are several nationalities represented in the children who were chosen. I think the discussion questions are a great way to begin a dialogue with children. I appreciated the humor in the sections where the author summed up what can be learned about San Francisco from the child's answers. It is encouraging to find out that there are children who are out doing sports, walking dogs in parks, going swimming and surfing and not just being attached to an electronic device.
Recommend this book:
Sammy: Hero At Age Five
M. Schmidt & G. D. Donley
2020 Honorable Mention
96 Pages
Check current price
Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
Sammy, born the day before Easter in 1985, lived with his mother and brother Gene in a small town in Kansas. He lived the normal life of a little boy – riding his big wheels, playing with trucks, and running in the backyard. He loved the homegrown vegetables from his mother’s and Slim’s gardens. Slim was the man who lived next door and was like a member of the family. Then cancer arrived, changing their lives forever. Sammy shares the ups and downs of painful, scary treatments. He and his mother spent week after week in the children’s oncology unit at the hospital, several hours from home. Sammy was observant and knew when his mother had been praying or crying. He also became aware of Jesus’ presence and His help during difficult times. In the memoir, Sammy: Hero At Age 5, written by his mother and brother, M. Schmidt and G. D. Donley, the sad journey peppered with many joyful moments is shared.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this true-life story is that it is told from Sammy’s point of view. While written in the language of a five-year-old boy, the messages within his words are truly profound. The thoughts fit a little boy’s world – excitement in eating a popsicle; hoping his mother will marry again, and he will have a new father; a wish to go to Disney World. The writing is clear and concise, and the photographs add to the realistic nature of the story. M. Schmidt and G. D. Donley shared their story to help other children and families facing these kinds of diagnoses in this memoir. This is a touching and unforgettable book!
Sammy, born the day before Easter in 1985, lived with his mother and brother Gene in a small town in Kansas. He lived the normal life of a little boy – riding his big wheels, playing with trucks, and running in the backyard. He loved the homegrown vegetables from his mother’s and Slim’s gardens. Slim was the man who lived next door and was like a member of the family. Then cancer arrived, changing their lives forever. Sammy shares the ups and downs of painful, scary treatments. He and his mother spent week after week in the children’s oncology unit at the hospital, several hours from home. Sammy was observant and knew when his mother had been praying or crying. He also became aware of Jesus’ presence and His help during difficult times. In the memoir, Sammy: Hero At Age 5, written by his mother and brother, M. Schmidt and G. D. Donley, the sad journey peppered with many joyful moments is shared.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this true-life story is that it is told from Sammy’s point of view. While written in the language of a five-year-old boy, the messages within his words are truly profound. The thoughts fit a little boy’s world – excitement in eating a popsicle; hoping his mother will marry again, and he will have a new father; a wish to go to Disney World. The writing is clear and concise, and the photographs add to the realistic nature of the story. M. Schmidt and G. D. Donley shared their story to help other children and families facing these kinds of diagnoses in this memoir. This is a touching and unforgettable book!
Contact Author -
