By Rosalind Bahr, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: August 18, 2010
by MaryAnn Shelley Hansen (Author) and R. Cameron Oscarson (Illustrator)
Reading Level: Ages 7-10
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: AuthorHouse (June 17, 2010)
Sam’s learning days are over . . . so HE says. Convinced he will never be seen as anything but “second best” at school, Sam writes to his mother, determined to quit. Can she, in her response and the letters that follow, help Sam see and know what she does—how remarkable he truly is?
Like many children, Sam is tired of his position in life—in his family, in school, as well as in competitions. Through a series of creatively constructed notes to his mother, Sam voices his concerns about constantly being “second best.” In her unexpected responses, Sam’s mother is able to provide a new perspective to Sam about his talents and skills, resulting in his recognition of his “firsts” instead of just his “seconds.”
With beautiful illustrations and a clever story, parents and children alike will enjoy reading Sam the Second. “Seconds” will definitely appreciate it. The author is a former teacher and enjoyed using picture books as a launching pad to incorporate various curriculum elements in a fun and unique way. She has free downloadable lesson plans to accompany the book on her website.
About the author: MaryAnn Shelley Hansen lives in Utah. She has a degree in Elementary Education and has taught both first and fourth grade. She enjoys reading, writing, the outdoors, and especially her son Samuel. For more information about the author and free lesson plans to accompany the book, please visit her website at www.maryannshelleyhansen.com.
About the illustrator: R. Cameron Oscarson was born in American Fork, Utah. His family has a love for art and creativity, and with their support and guidance he aspired to being an artist from a young age. After earning an Associate of Art from Dixie State College, in St. George, Utah, he continued and received a Bachelor of Fine Art from Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah. He is best known for his portrait painting and stained glass work, but has experience in many types of art. For more information about the illustrator please visit www.maryannshelleyhansen.com/rcoscarson.html.
Add this book to your collection: Sam the Second
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