The Wild Kid

I found this story exciting to read. At all times I worried about what would happen to Sammy and also to Kevin. We learn what happens to Sammy, but not to Kevin. I think readers will feel great empathy toward both characters and both situations.

Great

This is my son's favorite, I got it here because the price was awesome got the book quickly and the price was great

The Wild Kid was something of a strange story for me to read. For starters I was slightly hesitant to read a story centered on a slightly "retarded" boy named Sammy. I have nothing against them but I assumed the storyline would make a big deal out of it and overdramatize the tweenager with Down's syndrome. To my elegant surprise the storyline doesn't even go out of its way to mention he has this "problem" save for maybe three times in the entire span of the book, which is something I was very thankful for.That aside, I have to say I really enjoyed The Wild Kid; While the story itself is pretty straightforward -- almost to the point where it feels nothing really happens -- in what the side panel of the cover describes so adeptly. The way the author describes Sammy's escapades through the forest in search of his bike only to end up hostage of "feral" young man named Kevin is truly something that makes the wheels of the imagination turn.At first, you want Sammy to run away because you really don't trust Kevin (especially with the way he treats the boy at first). However, as the story progresses you find yourself growing used to the harshness of Kevin's character and his strange interaction with the overly trusting Sammy. The only problem I think I have with The Wild Kid is the paragraphs are constructed in a sort of elementary way, for a younger audience to be honest. But all in all, I enjoyed reading this. A highly recommended story. ---- [a 4 out of 5]

Harry Mazer tackles a topic rarely covered by children's authors - - Down's Syndrome. Our youth need to better understand and respect special needs children, and this book helps that process. Sammy, the main character with Down's, portrays the struggles of his disability while also showing his strengths and sameness with other children his age. While I believe this novel has merit, I also have two complaints. One, the plot is not believable - - possibly probable, but not believable. For example, Sammy climbs a cliff only a professional rock climber could tackle. I realize authors may do this to create suspense, but Mazer carried it a little far in my opinion. Secondly, this novel also touches on the idea of abuse, a worthy topic for children. However, this conflict is not resolved. The abused boy, Kevin, had run away from home and he is still a runaway when the book ends. That is a serious issue to leave unresolved for children. Overall, this book is worth your time and your children's time to read. The plot is suspenseful, touching, and educational - - just not particularly believable.