One Small Sparrow

by Jeff Leeland

Readers have been deeply moved by the unfolding true story of one small "sparrow" named Michael Leeland. Soon to be released in revised and updated paperback, One Small Sparrow restores faith in the watch-care of God and in His power to reach through powerless people to bring healing and hope in life's darkest moments. This award-winning volume by Jeff Leeland chronicles his little boy's life-and-death struggle with leukemia and the heroic efforts of young people and their community to save him. It also tells how the heartwarming sacrifice of a disabled boy's $60 life savings, which sparked the drive to help Michael, has grown into The Sparrow Foundation, a national organization of kids raising funds for kids in medical need. One Small Sparrow is a book that keeps alive the spirit of grace that saved a little boy.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

a true story

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a 7 month old with cancer.I have not cried during a book since Little Women I'm pretty sure. This one had me crying about every other page, so don't read it if you need cheering up. However, it does make you very grateful for every little thing about your child that you used to be annoyed or fed up with. Just because you're grateful that they can do it and you can mother them. Read it if you need a good change of perspective. The author also provides a very enlightening parallel of himself watching his son go through pain and God choosing to watch us go through pain. It helped me to understand this tough concept just a little bit better.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well-written, thought-provoking, tear-jerking, faith-filled account of one family's ordeal with cancer. Really recommended.

[Melanie Wissel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have tissues ready as you watch baby Michael Leeland fight to live as he battles a terminal bone marrow disease. He will die if he does not get a transplant very soon. The insurance company refuses to pay for a year and he doesn’t have that long! The family faces a two week window to come up with $175,000, a huge sum in the 1990’s. This true reflection of relying on God when what you need is beyond your capabilities, is both heartwarming and heartrending. It places you viewing the ups and downs through the eyes of a parent. This family is 100% faith based and they find a myriad of ways they are lifted up, through individual donations from those with little to give and school kids putting their heart and soul into helping.

[Vickie Jameson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful story of a life-threatening illness, the love of a community and the healing grace, power and care of Jesus Christ.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully moving true story. Read the whole book in one sitting. I like the short interviews at the end of each section and the photos in the middle.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story about a baby with leukemia. His sister is a perfect donor match for bone marrow. Then they find out that their medical insurance has a 12 month waiting period for transplants. The insurance company won't change it rules and even says on TV that baby Michael transplant is denied. The story then goes on to tell about all the wonderful people who worked and donated time and money to raise the $200,000 for the transplant.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written book that had me on the edge of tears throughout. It was inspiring to read about a father who put so much faith in God while his 6 month old son lay dying. I was filled with such joy and love to hear how mere children raised thousands of dollars to save this little boy's life. How so many people gave what they could to a stranger. It gives me such hope to read that there /are/ those people out there.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a moving and faith-filled story of a family's fight for their baby's life. It's a story about God providing when bureaucracy fails. It's about a community coming together to help a child in need and how small sacrifices multiply to bring about a miracle. This story reminded me to trust in God's faithfulness.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A hard read just because it had to deal with a family who had a little boy with cancer. They had strong faith which was an eye opener. Yet, when you have three young children of your own, this touches your heart and makes you wonder "what if....?"

[Anna Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Because I literally could not put it down,I finished it in one day! such an inspiring true story!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of great faith, hope, and surrender to God's will.