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The Secret Life of Sam

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( 124 ratings, 31 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Secret Life of Sam by Kim Ventrella is a heartwarming children's book that follows a young boy named Sam as he navigates life after a family loss. After moving to his estranged aunt’s home in the small town of Holler, Oklahoma, Sam discovers a mysterious tree with a portal to an alternate world. As he embarks on adventures in this strange land, Sam learns about loss, healing, and the strength of familial love.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1699
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're captivated by heartwarming stories that explore themes of loss, hope, and magic through the eyes of a young protagonist. It delves into the extraordinary adventures of a boy coping with grief, unveiling a world where the impossible can become real. Perfect for readers who appreciate emotionally resonant tales with a touch of fantasy.

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The Secret Life of Sam

The timelessness of Bridge to Terabithia meets the wonder of Big Fish in this bittersweet, magical story, perfect for fans of Barbara O’Connor, Lisa Graff, and Dan Gemeinhart.

When Sam’s dad dies in a car accident, Sam is shuttled off to the dusty town of Holler, Oklahoma, to live with a long-lost aunt.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The timelessness of Bridge to Terabithia meets the wonder of Big Fish in this bittersweet, magical story, perfect for fans of Barbara O’Connor, Lisa Graff, and Dan Gemeinhart.

When Sam’s dad dies in a car accident, Sam is shuttled off to the dusty town of Holler, Oklahoma, to live with a long-lost aunt. There he encounters a mysterious mangy cat who leads him to an unassuming tree that turns out to be a portal—a passage through which Sam can revisit his old life for a few minutes at a time.

Sam’s visits to the bayou become stranger and stranger. Pa’s old stories unfold around him in beautiful but sinister detail, and Pa is not quite himself. Still, Sam is desperate to find a way for them to stay together—no matter what it takes.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Secret Life of Sam by Kim Ventrella receives praise for its evocative prose and heartfelt depiction of grief. Reviewers highlight the book's ability to captivate with its vivid settings and the poignant exploration of a young boy's journey through loss. The author's storytelling is described as powerful and emotionally resonant, effectively weaving elements of magic with deep human emotions.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780062941190

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 May 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: HarperCollins

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 181g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Kim Ventrella is the author of the middle grade novels Hello, Future Me, Bone Hollow and Skeleton Tree, and she is a contributor to the anthology, Don't Turn Out the Lights: A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Her works explore difficult topics with big doses of humor, whimsy and hope. Kim has held a variety of interesting jobs, including children's librarian, scare actor, Peace Corps volunteer and French instructor, but her favorite job title is author. She lives in Oklahoma City with her dog and co-writer, Hera. Find out more at kimventrella.com or follow Kim on Twitter and Instagram @KimVentrella.

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