Kate and the Kid

by Anne Rothman-Hicks, Kenneth Hicks

The girl sat still for a few seconds. Kate could hear the sound of the fruit juice being drained through the straw, and the girl’s chest heaved once inside the curl of Kate’s arm. Then, quick as a young frisky cub, she spun and threw her arms around Kate’s neck. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and her face was contorted with the effort not to cry. She nuzzled awkwardly against Kate and kissed her over and over with little pecks that covered her forehead and eyes and chin.

“I love you, Katy,” she said in her high-pitched voice. “I love you so much.”

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2013

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read!

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A woman needing to rebuild her life from the ground up and a young, cast-off child with severe emotional issues are brought together by chance and find they are the best medicine for healing and learning the important things in life. Kate and the Kid by Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks focuses on Kate, a woman in conflict and six-year-old Jenny, a child both physically and mentally abused and neglected by her drug and alcohol addicted mother who has made one too many bad decisions in life and seems resigned to continue down that path. Jenny has been pawned off on Kate’s neighbor, a coarse woman with a big heart who is ill-equipped to care for a child. Kate sees the young girl as she tries to become invisible, hiding behind a broken Barbie doll, which becomes her pleading voice. Taking Jenny under her wing, Kate ends up becoming her not so legal guardian, giving the girl a chance at feeling loved, important and to feel the joys of childhood without fear of repercussions. Is Kate hiding behind Jenny as an excuse not to look at her own life or will her eyes be opened to what is truly important? Will Jenny become the miracle that opens the eyes and hearts of the adults that she comes in contact with? What of her future? What if the courts become involved again? Will Jenny finally come out on top or will she remain a case number by well-meaning, but unemotional laws and their officers? Will anyone besides Kate champion her cause?

There is a message built into this tale, one that exposes the problems with how children are lost within a world filled with laws that are making them property, social workers that cannot possibly see the desperation of their day to day lives and it only takes one voice raised loud enough to foster a move for change.

Once again, the dynamic writing style and attention to detail shines through for versatile authors Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks. These two hearts and minds have brought another slice of life in New York City to life with sheer brilliance! It is apparent they believe in their talent in the bold manner they have created this tale of life on the darker side of the street in a city with millions of stories to tell. What makes Kate and the Kid stick out? Each page is a skillfully told, inviting the reader to be part of the scenery, from parks to courtrooms, hospitals to lower-rent apartments. You will live the sights, sounds and smells each character lives. Speaking of characters, not only do they come to life, moving and speaking on my mental movie screen, but they are running in 3D mode, alive and breathing, feeling and reacting with completely believable and engaging way. I found myself wondering how I would react if in the same position, instead of shaking my head at what I might consider a bad move. That is connecting with readers completely and that is what these amazing authors do.

I received this copy from the authors in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: June 7, 2013
Publisher: Wings ePress
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Print Length: 326 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and the Kid: Anne Rothman –Hicks and Kenneth Hicks

Parents are supposed to protect, nurture and care for their children. But, many don’t. Kate learns the true meaning of love when after losing her job, her boyfriend, coming home drunk, forgetting her keys and leaving her possessions at Roger’s apartment and meets Jenny. Six-year-old Jenny is angry, scared, tough and makes faces at Kate every time she sees her hanging out of the window of Sally’s apartment. But, when Kate finds herself a guest in Sally’s apartment because she’s locked out an unusual and unexpected bond and friendship develops and something in her changes. Linda, Jenny’s mother left her with Sally because she needed time alone to think. Calling once in a while and not really caring much for what was happening to her daughter Sally became her primary caregiver. But, when Sally decides a night of fun is in order what happens next will change it all. Kate and Jenny enjoy some fun having a cookout until Jenny sees someone in the park and she and Kate have to run. Fears set aside they forget the man in the park until he shows up the next day claiming to be Jenny’s dad. Drug dealer, sleazy, frightening and hardnosed he boldly tells Kate that he will take charge of this precious little girl hoping to find her mother too. Bruises quite revealing on this child, a doll she calls Jenny as she wants to be called Miranda, allows readers to know that this child has been a victim of much more abuse than has been revealed. When Jenny is forced to leave with this man Kate becomes determined to change things around.

Kate has within herself a sense of what’s right and although her friend Sally claims that Linda as the situation under control and she should not interfere something tells her she can’t and won’t let it go. Jenny is tough, scared and wants someone to love her but who can she trust? Finding herself walking and thinking things through Roger sees her and things fall back into place for them both. Understanding where she is coming from but fearful of what kind of a man the person claiming to be Jenny’s father is, he makes her promise to think about moving in with him and leaving this situation behind. But, Kate is strong willed and caring and finds herself at what is supposed to be Linda’s apartment and as the scene unfolds the truth about so many things and Jenny’s parentage is about to unfold. The man claiming her father appeared to have taken an overdose when in reality he was forced to use some powerful drugs. Finding Jenny, taking her out of the situation she thinks carefully but does call 911.

But, not everything is what is seems and with the help of a friend of her mother she learns more about Jenny’s birth, who is not on the certificate and from Sally why Linda for a while will not be part of her daughter’s life. Jenny is the victim of more than just neglect and child abuse both physical and emotional as you hear Sally’s way of dealing with her, calling her names and alienating her even further. As Kate formulates in her own mind how she might try to save this child from protective services and herself she agrees to take her out for a day but every step of the way Jenny tests her patience. Loyalty, love, friendship, caring and trust are tested, destroyed and rekindled as authors Anne Rothman- Hicks and Kenneth Hicks tell a story that could be ripped right out of the headlines, part of a CSI episode or even a case study from ACS report by a school guidance counselor.

Kate is determined and will not anything or anyone deter her from trying to learn more about Jenny’s mother and the reasons why she keeps leaving her with Sally. Frustrated and angry she often finds herself in situations that are dangerous. Enlisting the help of Gail a friend of her mother she learns more about Jenny’s father, the fact that the courts are trying to terminate her mother’s parental rights and that the end result just might be CPS taking over and a foster home. As an educator I have to root for Kate and hope she wins her battle to keep Jenny with her. Linda, her mother proves to be unstable and the authors depict her as volatile, abusive, unreliable, on drugs, drinks too much but something within Kate feels that Linda does care in her own way for Jenny. Afraid, yet daring Jenny and Kate find their way to the park and as any 7 year old who thinks she is invincible she climbs a railing and falls hitting her head and bruising parts of her body. Ambulance called and taken to the hospital the scenes that are described are right out of any news article that reporters love to write about when parents are abusive, a child’s rights need to be protected and hospital personnel claim to be doing their job. The intake nurse, the social worker, the doctors and the entire staff seem very clinical and as Kate answers the questions she begins to sound off herself. Whether nerves or guilt because she feels she was at fault for Jenny’s injuries, the hospital refuses to believe her story and things go downhill until Roger comes back into the picture. With the help of this understanding and amazing lawyer she hopes to get the support she needs to keep Jenny with her but not before Linda sets her up, causes grave danger to Kate and what happens next will send chills down your spine and make you wonder why anyone would allow Linda near any child.

As the parties enter the courtroom and the charges to terminate Linda’s parental rights are at stake, Kate, Roger and Jenny face an uphill battle hoping that someone will listen and care about Jenny.

From Sally, to Mrs. Morley the babysitter, to Linda and Roger will who really cares about Jenny? Make a circle around her look at the faces within this ring: Just Jenny’s. On the outer ring holding hands around her is: Sally, Rico, Anthony, Linda, Kate, Mrs. Morley, CPS lawyer, the judge, the social worker, the nurses, the doctor and Roger: Jenny extends her hands: Whose will she touch? Child abuse of any kind is cruel, inhumane and wrong. Dealing with CPS, ACS and many social workers while with the Public Schools in NYC, I realize that what the authors have described might be fiction in this story but a reality for many children in real life. All of those that are supposed to protect the innocent need to really look long, deep and hard and find the courage to care, understand and focus on not the paperwork, not just placing a child with any family but making decisions that will help the child grow in a positive way.

An ending so dramatic and the final decision you just won’t believe as Jenny’s fate is sealed in the courts while Kate, Roger and many others hold their breath for the judge’s decision. This is one book that all educators, supervisors, social workers, intake officers, police officers and nurses should read to understand why we need to protect our young.

Fran Lewis: reviewer

[Sue Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and the kids by Anne Rothmam-hicks.
Having just lost her job, and following a major fight with her boyfriend, Kate is tricked into taking care of a sweet but emotionally damaged six-year-old girl named Jenny, who only communicates with adults through a doll she calls “Miranda.” As a result of an eventful night of babysitting, Kate begins to bond with Jenny, which causes a whole new set of complications with the people in Kate’s and Jenny’s lives. This book tells the story of how Kate and Jenny help each other to heal, grow, and navigate the difficult and sometimes dangerous world of New York City.
Absolutely fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved how Kate was with Jenny. Such a moving read. I hope there is more to come. 5*. Highly recommended.

[Pinchy's Pages (Jenn Harrison) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book to satisfy a promt ftom a reading challenge. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this book! It was a quick, engaing read! I stayed up way too late because I couldn't stop reading about Kate and Jenny. I did feel like the ending didn't "finish" the story, so I hope that there is a second book. 4.5/5 stars!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book...right up until the ending that I found really rushed and a little bit unsatisfactory, but that is testament to the way characters grew on me and I was invested in their evolution within the narrative, there were several strands of the story that needed more development and resolution particularly the fate of The Kid who was the star of the story.

I was left with more questions than answers, which is sad as it was shaping up to be a corker! In this case I did not want my imagination to have to fill in the gaps.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heart wrenching book. I didn't get into it straightaway but once I did, I found myself turning to it whenever I could. It is gritty and disturbing at times. It is hard to understand the lives of those so different to our own, but this book brought the characters to life in such a way that I felt I was watching over their shoulders. A very good read.

[Joanna Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a fantastic book. page turning twists, multi faceted characters, a little girl who you can't help but fall in love with and Kate who you root for from the beginning and could have been me. all made for a book I couldn't put down and couldn't wait to get back to when I had no choice but to do so.

[Susan Bernhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had wanted to read a book by Anne Rothman-Hicks and Kenneth Hicks for a while now, knowing their reputation for quality novels and having read many of their blog posts. I expected excellent writing and I wasn't disappointed, but what impressed me even more was the story, which I was immediately drawn into.

I liked Kate and The kid, Jenny from the start. Kate was compassionate and Jenny was badly in need of that compassion. Much had happened in that little girl's short life. The story of their relationship is endearing, other parts of the book weren't...parts that include Jenny's mother, the mother's low-life boyfriend.

What a cast of complex characters in this story. Examples: Foul-mouthed Sally. People come from all different walks of life. Often times she was verbally abusive to Jenny. I still thought she had a good heart. I know, it doesn't make sense. I also liked Roger, even with his incessant need for Kate's attention, he was incredibly giving.

I loved that Manhattan was the setting, and throughout the novel, we were taken on the tour of the city. For this reader, that was a major plus.

I can't recommend Kate and The Kid enough. Thank you, Ken and Anne, for many enjoyable hours.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and The Kid was a beautifully written novel which should be on everyone's must read list for 2014. The plot is excellently developed and there are plenty of twists which will keep you turning the pages and not wanting to put this book down. The characters are all flawlessly developed and really do a good job at jumping off the page. You can't help but root for Kate as she goes on this incredible journey from losing her job to breaking up with her boyfriend to taking on the care of Jenny. What I love is during their incredible journey there were many hiccups along the way which really made this story feel truthful Without giving anything away the ending is both very satisfying while at the same time leaving the door open for a sequel. If there is a sequel I will be the first one in line to buy it.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and the Kid was an absolute delight to read! It was heartwarming, interesting, and quite exciting as well. The characters were realistic, likeable, and easy to relate to. I read the book over the span of a few days and I kept finding myself thinking about the characters and situations, and hoping that all would resolve itself positively. That is the sign of a great book- when you actually think about it when you're not reading it. This book is on top of my list of recommendations for 2014. I eagerly await any and all future books written by Anne Rothman and Ken Hicks!

[Hermione · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved "Kate and the Kid" and found it to be a really beautiful book. The characters are beautifully drawn and differentiated and make you really care about them, and the action of the book is compelling and often very emotionally moving (I dare you to read this book without tearing up at some point!). The plot resolves in a way that's satisfying while also leaving the reader eager to read a sequel, if one is ever written. I give this book my highest recommendation!