Sammy's Red Shirt
Lost Boy, Homeless Girl
by
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Something touched his neck and back of his jacket! He squealed and fell forward. He rolled his eyes from side to side trying to see what was there. Pulling his legs under, he made himself as small as he could. He felt like a huge, hairy, black monster was right behind him and ready to grab him by the back of the neck. He could feel the claws coming closer and closer to his neck. He wanted to scream and yell and even for once wished Perfect Prissy Sibyl were near by.
Quietly and carefully he tugged his jacket up high on his head. His heart was pounding and he tried to quiet his fast breathing. Huddling on the floor, he waited and waited. Nothing happened. Feeling braver, he turned the flashlight and waited some more. Then he pointed it behind him.
Turning it further up, he saw a tennis racket. It was hanging from a rack of other tennis rackets that had swung a little and brushed him.
Wow! It wasn't a monster waiting to grab him after all. "Well, Clinker Dab," he said aloud and gave a ragged giggle. If Perfect Prissy Sibyl had seen him so scared, she would have called him a dumb, stupid kid again. Good that she wasn't there. Sammy nodded. If she had been, he knew she would be scared, too.
Standing up, he bravely walked to the bathroom. On the way back he took two long drinks at the water fountain. He wasn't scared. Not anymore! He would walk on back to the tent.
Thud. It was a noise close to him. Thud! There it was again! He fell to the floor and again tried to be as small as possible. This time he believed the huge, black monster was three times as big as his father's wheelbarrow. It was right over him and ready to grab him by the neck.
Now he could almost feel the claws slowly, slowly, getting ready to grab him! Carefully pulling his jacket up over the back of his neck, he crouched close to the floor that he wished would open so he could hide in it. His heart pounded and his eyes were wide open. His hair felt like it was standing on end. He was so scared he thought he was going to die and closed his eyes. Trying to breathe as quietly as he could, he crouched on the floor for a long time.
Again and again he could almost feel the huge monster claws ready to grab him. Without making a sound, he slowly reached a hand around to protect his neck. He moaned a little though he did not mean to do so. He held his breath for a moment hoping the monster did not hear him. He waited quietly. Just as he was about to inch on toward the tent, he heard the strange, soft thud again. It did sound as though it was above him this time, but over to the side...
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About the Book
Stories of missing children are frequently on the media. This unique book is a fiction story of a lost boy and orphaned, homeless girl.
Humorous and touching, memorable Sammy's Red Shirt or Lost Boy, Homeless Girl depicts understanding of others who are different. It would be a great gift for children, adults, and especially a fun read for teachers to share with their students.
Adorable, but sometimes naughty, almost six year old, red- haired Sammy first sees Etta Jean near a burning house in Flint, Michigan, right after he splashed cow manure on his disliked cousin Perfect Prissy Sibyl.
Angry because he is not getting a baby sister, Sammy becomes lost from his parents. The resourceful boy endures terrifying moments alone and funny episodes while hiding in trucks
Light hearted, streetwise, homeless Etta Jean saves Sammy's life. Amazed and appalled at her cardboard box alley home, he likes her because she laughs a lot and is interesting as she discusses her hardships. She enjoys Sammy who says "Clinker Dab" and usually does not pronounce his "l's."
The vulnerable twosome laugh, cry, play, and sometimes pray. As the children struggle to survive while searching for Sammy's home, they develop compassion and understanding.
About the Author
Reva Jo Kerns was editor of the award winning college newspaper, the Northwest Missourian, at Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, she and classmate Roland Gordon were married. They attended the State University of Iowa. She taught English and business subjects in high schools at LeRoy, Iowa, Malvern, Iowa, Flushing, Michigan, and Platt Business College in St. Joseph, Missouri
After receiving a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan, she became a librarian.
The Gordons have two children and four grandchildren.
Mrs. Gordon has had many articles, fiction, and one book published.
She has been named to International Author And Writers' Who's Who and others.