4 out of 4 stars
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How many of us know a child who doesn’t have a father in their life? I know quite a few. That’s why Sam’s Missing Piece by Demetria Poole caught my attention. Like all children, Sam wants a mother and a father. He has questions about why he doesn’t have a father. This book deals with how Sam feels about this missing puzzle piece in his life.
The story begins with Sam’s first day of school. Everything is going great until an assembly is called for all the boys and their fathers. Sam has to sit alone because he doesn’t have a dad. On the school bus later, he starts thinking about the perks of having a father. At home, Sam has some questions for his mom. Will Sam find the answers he seeks?
I loved that the cover design of this book is done in the form of a puzzle. It depicts Sam with the father he imagines. The missing puzzle piece where the father’s face would be sends the message of the story. The bright colors and happy children playing in the background create an attractive image that will appeal to kids. The typography of the wonderfully simple title enhances the book.
I liked the way this book was illustrated. Each page features Sam and his mother in various conversations and situations. The vivid and colorful surroundings of school and home will resonate with readers. The way Sam’s thoughts are expressed demonstrates the process of how he learns to deal with not having a dad.
What I liked most about this book was the sincerity in this author’s work. I found it heartbreaking and comforting at the same time when Sam’s mother talked to him about his emotions. This sincerity was apparent when Sam’s mom said to him, “Don’t let not having a father present dim your bright light. You continue to be the awesome Sam I love so much.” I felt that it was what any single parent would say.
I was impressed by the character development in this book. The close relationship between Sam and his mother added depth to the story. The evident love and affection expressed by Sam’s mother indicate how single parents can feel. They love their child, but they can’t provide that missing piece in their life. All they can do is be the reliable support which that child needs. As a reader, I felt empathy for both of the main characters in this story.
The writing style is simple and straightforward in this book. I enjoyed the way Sam’s thoughts are expressed as part of the illustrations in a comic-book style. It allows the reader a glimpse inside Sam’s thoughts and accurately communicates the way kids think and feel about the broader issues in life.
This book will appeal the most to school-age children who are part of a single-parent family. It will also appeal to kids who know someone who only has one parent. The positive message about being the awesome person that you are will have an impact on readers.
I could find nothing to dislike about this book. Although the subject matter is serious, it is presented thoughtfully. The overall message of positive reinforcement is one that I believe kids will enjoy. It also seems to be professionally edited. For these reasons, I am rating this book with 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to school-age children, as well as those who are older. I also recommend it to single parents with children who need help in understanding their situation. If subjects like single-parenting don’t appeal to you, this may not be the book for you.
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Sam’s Missing Piece
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Although, I doubt the emotional depth and deep relationships are something children would resonate with.
