The Secret Life of Sam

This remarkable book captures what it really feels like to be sad and to want to connect with a loved one who has died (a terrible reality for so many kids in 2020). I loved Sam from the beginning, and kids will be swept up in the magical descriptions. A wonderful fantasy story for all kids, while addressing the difficult topics of recovery and coping with loss.

After Sam’s dad is killed in a car accident, Sam finds himself suddenly uprooted from his home in the Louisiana bayou and living with his Aunt Jo in tiny Holler, Oklahoma. Struggling with the loss of his dad, Sam finds himself drawn into a strange alternative reality where his dad is still alive. Accompanied by a mysterious, one-eyed cat, Sam’s visits to his dad in their old bayou home give insights into Sam’s past and his dad’s life as a boy with his younger sister Jo. When Sam tries to hang on too tightly to the memory of his father, he learns some valuable lessons about letting go, moving on, and the treasure of having a true friend. This story, ideal for upper elementary or middle school students, would be a valuable addition to any fiction collection. It would be especially appropriate to recommend to students dealing with losses of their own.

THis was a lovely written book about a little boy dealing with the griefs of loss in our life. I love how the story reaches out to teach a lesson to children of middle age group on such a powerful thing in life. This was a story children can relate to and it is definitely a book I will get for out Louisiana library. You do not have many books speaking of the bayous of Louisiana.

Thank you netgalley and harpercollins

Thank you Harper Collins and NetGalley for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this ghostly and grim book about grief and starting over. It was so descriptive and so powerful.

Beautiful exploration of death and grief for middle grade readers. Loved it!

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