Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Sammy Hero At Age Five

Subtitle:

Author: M. Schmidt, Gene D. Donley

Genre: Memoir

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series? No

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44418185-sammy-hero-at-age-five

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This book tells the story of Sammy, a 5-year old boy, who is diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a malignant tumour. It details his life from birth to death and even beyond as told from his own view point. The book is written in a relatively simple style, nearly making it suitable for children and I suspect this book could be shared with children going through a similar process, their siblings and wider family as a form of mutual support. However, only with adult guidance! The book is funny, emotional and enjoyable. A rather short book which can be read in a short time.

What I liked about the book:

I particularly liked the fact the book was written from Sammy’s view point. I have read the book after already being familiar with his story through the other memoir written by Mrs Schmidt, “When Angels Fly”. Both books are certainly worth reading.

What I didn’t like about the book:

At times the book felt too simplistic in its style, however, it was also a bit too mature for children to read it on their own. This did not take away from the beauty of the book and, all in all, there was nothing I did not like about the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I loved where Sammy spoke about his close conversations with Jesus. I leave it to everyone to decide for themselves whether they believe these to be true or not, the author and the little boy certainly will be convinced of its truth and I can certainly identify with some of the descriptions. Even if other people would not believe in the truth behind it, it still will give those who do the strength they require to go through some of the trauma of the experiences this family went through. The descriptions felt like a warm blanket being wrapped around this boy and his family.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I really enjoyed sharing this young boy’s thoughts and descriptions. Such a brave young man, wise beyond his years. How many of his thoughts expressed in this book did he share with his family? If he did, has it given them the strength and comfort so badly needed in situations like these? I hope so.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

Mrs Schmidt has also written her personal memoir with regards to this traumatic time in her life, “When Angels Fly”. Another book which is definitely worth the read. She has also written several children’s books with her author husband. I’m sure we will see many more books by her hand.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book reminded me of “When Angels Fly” as it details the same story, albeit from a different view point. The story felt completely different, though. Where “Why Angels Fly” is full of determination, hurt, anguish, love for her family and an unerring belief, “Sammy Hero At Age Five” is positive, full of hope of a better life (after life), a strong belief in heaven and of things getting better for little Sammy. It was awe-inspiring to read how his faith and braveness grew as he met Jesus and his older brother, Shane, a brother he never met in life.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children With guidance

Young Adult Yes

Adult Yes

If you like memoirs this book could be the book for you. I also recommend it for people who go through the awful experiences childhood cancer and life-limiting illnesses bring. It may bring them the strength they so desperately need to go through this trauma.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

“Kids can get hungry sometimes while on chemo,” says five-year-old Sammy, having a good day despite the malignant tumor invading his brain. Based on true events from the 1980s, Sammy’s story is imagined by his mother and brother as if the young boy might tell it himself. The result is gripping. Told in two parts, Sammy’s account first invites us into the everyday middle-American lives of a mom and her two boys. Sammy is a sweet, good-hearted kid, even as he faces the most difficult challenges in Part 2: “Cancer Arrived.” Here Sammy talks us through hospital trips and procedures, the hardest parts as well as moments of simple joy. It is not always possible to survive such a grim diagnosis, so Sammy and his family must embrace the smaller victories from one day to the next. Finally, our young hero is given one last opportunity to find his own unique path toward triumph. Listen closely as Sammy tells us all what matters most.