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Skipper: Friend or Foe?: A Distracting Mystery within Life’s Traumatic Events
Michael is leading what seems to be a pretty normal life for a happy twelve-year-old boy—and then the unthinkable happens. His mother gets cancer. Michael’s dad takes a job out of town because the treatments are so costly. It is the only way they can afford her treatments. Suddenly, Michael is no longer a carefree kid but his mom’s caretaker. When a new friend convinces Michael to follow a mysterious adventure, Michael learns that it is not all up to him to take care of his mother. It is okay to have fun even through some of life’s toughest issues. As an educator and mother, author Kellie Sanchez put her twenty years of experience working with children into writing Friend or Foe? A Distracting Mystery within Life’s Traumatic Events. A coming-of-age mystery novel for preteens and teens, Skipper is notable for boys. Uniquely exploring a boy’s emotional viewpoint, Sanchez helps children who are going through tough times. Their feelings, whatever they are, are normal—and Michael shows them that.
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 10, 2021
Skipper: Friend or Foe? by Kellie Sanchez is a thrilling mystery adventure story with contemporary themes, perfect for boys and girls and teenagers, aged 9 to 14. A story about friendship, family, loss, bravery and overcoming adversity.
The story follows Michael, a twelve-year-old boy who lives with his parents and a younger sister in a beautiful town of Nowata. Michael lives a pretty happy and peaceful life with his family until his mother is diagnosed with a cancer. The news of his mother’s illness leaves Michael and his little sister, Jennifer shattered and heartbroken. The thought of losing his mother due to this illness makes Michael sad. He is worried, angry, confused and lonely. He feels helpless but decides to take control of his emotions by putting his energy into taking care of his mother.
Michael’s world changes when his mother introduces him to Samantha, a eleven year old girl who uses cane for her injured leg, and rides a funny looking pony named Sugar. Samantha and Michael find friend in each other when they become mystified by the disappearances of Skipper, a mysterious golden retriever dog. Where does he go? And why does he keep reappearing?
Their quest to solve the riddle over the summer holidays leads to a dead body of a grey cat surrounded by some animal hair, missing kittens of that cat, and some more clues that help them resolve this mystery. Will they find the Skipper? Is he a friendly dog as Michael had expected him to be or is he responsible for killing the cat?
The conclusion of the story is open ended, not revealing whether or not Mummy makes a full recovery. However the book ends on a happy note with everyone feeling less worried and happy. The story also acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for the children’s father – he has to cope with extra household and family duties and at the same time is worried about his wife. This is when Michael comes to his father’s rescue by helping in the household chores.
A wonderful page turner, a thrilling read with intriguing plot twists, Skipper: Friend or Foe? is the perfect read for children and teens who love a gripping, action-packed adventure mystery. Kudos to the author for exploring the complicated and sometimes contradictory emotions that children can feel when they have a loved one with a serious illness.
The story follows Michael, a twelve-year-old boy who lives with his parents and a younger sister in a beautiful town of Nowata. Michael lives a pretty happy and peaceful life with his family until his mother is diagnosed with a cancer. The news of his mother’s illness leaves Michael and his little sister, Jennifer shattered and heartbroken. The thought of losing his mother due to this illness makes Michael sad. He is worried, angry, confused and lonely. He feels helpless but decides to take control of his emotions by putting his energy into taking care of his mother.
Michael’s world changes when his mother introduces him to Samantha, a eleven year old girl who uses cane for her injured leg, and rides a funny looking pony named Sugar. Samantha and Michael find friend in each other when they become mystified by the disappearances of Skipper, a mysterious golden retriever dog. Where does he go? And why does he keep reappearing?
Their quest to solve the riddle over the summer holidays leads to a dead body of a grey cat surrounded by some animal hair, missing kittens of that cat, and some more clues that help them resolve this mystery. Will they find the Skipper? Is he a friendly dog as Michael had expected him to be or is he responsible for killing the cat?
The conclusion of the story is open ended, not revealing whether or not Mummy makes a full recovery. However the book ends on a happy note with everyone feeling less worried and happy. The story also acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for the children’s father – he has to cope with extra household and family duties and at the same time is worried about his wife. This is when Michael comes to his father’s rescue by helping in the household chores.
A wonderful page turner, a thrilling read with intriguing plot twists, Skipper: Friend or Foe? is the perfect read for children and teens who love a gripping, action-packed adventure mystery. Kudos to the author for exploring the complicated and sometimes contradictory emotions that children can feel when they have a loved one with a serious illness.
August 6, 2020
I loved this story about 12 year old Michael, who is dealing with some serious life issues. Author Kellie Sanchez has a very enjoyable writing style which holds the interest throughout the story. I think preteens will love reading this. There is a certain amount of independence and responsibility that the characters have which will be admired, as they explore, ride horses, and research a mystery. At the same time they are learning how to deal with difficult parts of life and emotions. While serious, it is written in a way that is neither Pollyanna-ish nor too depressing.
I would also recommend parents read this as the parents in the story model some very good parenting skills and show a great example of how to deal with hard things. I definitely recommend this book!
I would also recommend parents read this as the parents in the story model some very good parenting skills and show a great example of how to deal with hard things. I definitely recommend this book!
November 13, 2019
A must read for preteens
The book is written for preteens and can play a major role in the life of the reader. The fact that the author is a teacher has a lot of influence on the book and it results in a very thoughtful book.
The book is easy to understand and the plot is interesting that preteens will relate with.
The book discusses serious problems but at the same time fuses with adventure which prevents the reader from losing interest or getting bored.
Kellie Sanchez's writing can influence and have very positive effect on kids. It is a small beautiful read that will help many preteens going through same issues.
I would definitely recommend this book and give it 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for the topic it chose to address.
The book is written for preteens and can play a major role in the life of the reader. The fact that the author is a teacher has a lot of influence on the book and it results in a very thoughtful book.
The book is easy to understand and the plot is interesting that preteens will relate with.
The book discusses serious problems but at the same time fuses with adventure which prevents the reader from losing interest or getting bored.
Kellie Sanchez's writing can influence and have very positive effect on kids. It is a small beautiful read that will help many preteens going through same issues.
I would definitely recommend this book and give it 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for the topic it chose to address.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews