Badge

by Edward Reed

Badge is an enduring and poignant story of a friendship between a child and a dog, Sam and Badge. Sam, twelve years old, faces the hardships, fears, and the harsh realities of being abandoned in a small town called Munro. Along side of a mother struggling to get herself and her children back on their feet and Badge, a beat up old dog, Sam is confronted by the best and worst a childhood has to offer. Painful memories, school bullies and something sinister lurking in the swamp just outside Sam’s window are all part of a bigger story of hope and faith and love. A story that promises to touch the heart of the child in all of us.

Genres: Fiction

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2016

About the author

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Reviews

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

* I received this book in a GoodReads giveaway. *
A poignant story of a child and a dog told as a reflection of a 50-year-old sometimes writing from that perspective and sometimes from the perspective of the 12-year-old character. I really felt for Sam as our protagonist struggled from aloneness, thankfully alleviated by a faithful dog. The life and death struggle and then having to walk away from this special animal touched my heart, and are strong elements to this narrative.
Yet, I feel the story could use some editing and revision. Aside from a few missing letters and spelling mistakes, I think the story could have been structured to flow a bit better. I was unsure if our main character was a boy or a girl until near the end when our narrator says, "...if I am as good a mama..." I skimmed through the beginning of the story and found no definite clues. Yet, something there had made me picture Sam as a boy. I think that's important to how one takes the story in.
I am unsure of the audience for this book because some of the wording is that of a 50-year-old, yet I've read so many stories similar to this that middle grade kids love. I think they'd relate well to this story if the wording were just a bit more that of our 12-year-old main character.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - 4 Good, quick read

[Christine Polli · Rating 2 out of 5]

**I received this book as a winner of a goodreads Giveway**

This is a short, easy read. I'm not sure who the intended audience is, young adults or adults, but anyone can read it. I wanted to like this story more than I did because it does have sweet moments. Perhaps because the story is short and simple, that is why there wasn't much character development. It is easy to like Sam and feel sympathy for this character. Any one who has owned a dog can relate to the feelings. Sam does learn a couple of good life lessons which helps keep the story going. There were a few times when the language was so descriptive and well written; however, this book is full of grammatical errors: incorrect word usage, missing words, plural issues. They became more frequent as the story ends. It is a good story, but not a great book.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Badge is a good story about a boy & a dog (Badge). Not a happy story, but a good story none-the-less. Sam is a poor kid in a small town without any friends. It's hard to tell what year the story takes place in but I'm reminded of the depression era perhaps because of the extreme poverty. I'd love to say I enjoyed the ending but as an animal lover who thinks dogs are actual members of the family, this ending tore me apart. I'm not quite sure if I felt worse for Sam or for Badge. If a young person reads this book I highly recommend discussing it thoroughly to ensure there aren't any residual wounds.

[MaryKaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is about a boy and the love for his dog. I think most of us can relate to the happenings in this story, from bullying, to hardships, to friendships and a whole lot of love! This book is happy as well as sad, and I wish somethings had turned out different. I did enjoy reading this book very much and I think children and adults would equally like it. I read this book in less than 2 hours.

I received this book from Goodreads for an honest opinion.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway

A poignant story with its up and downs, mostly downs, I cried more than once. I'm still not sure if Three Toes was supposed to be the same creature that hurt Badge. I also don't understand why Sam kept it secret for so long afterwards that Badge was hurt but I did appreciate that Sam was never gendered, unless I'm mistaken and I overlooked it somewhere.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It is both a sweet and sad story about a poor, young boy and his special companionship with a dog. There were both happy and sad parts in this book. Loved the book!





This book was a win from the Goodreads First Reads Program.

[Jackie Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read. Loved and hated it at the same time. Was a really good story but sad. Rejoiced at times and cried at times. Nothing better than children and dogs. Love both so was my kind of book. Do think anyone would enjoy this book. Thanks to Mr. Reed and Goodreads.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joy of a little book. This charming, well told story made me feel like I was sitting on the front porch and swapping stories with an old friend. It was very touching and a pleasure to read. A big thank you to goodreads for this book. I would never have know about it if not for you.

[SLRL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read! The author perfectly captures the love a child can have for a dog and the love a dog can have for a child.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this on goodreads.com !
Wonderful story of a boy and his dog....and "other" things.
Will not give anything away. At 85 pages, it's a quick and beautiful read.
Highly recommend!

[Kendra Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Badge is a quick, heart-warming read.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. I wanted to read it before reading it to/with my grandchildren. I couldn't put the book down. The story reads so well, I could visualize it like a movie in my mind. Without giving too much away, I cried. Edward Reed tells the story in such a great way. If you loved Where The Red Fern Grows, you will love this book.

Goodreads giveaway

[Sue Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heartfelt story by this author. He once again leaves you guessing till the end. A great book for children and adults.