Sam the Man & the Chicken Plan (Volume 1)

Seven-year-old Sam's search for a job leadshim to chickens and an unexpected friendship.Sam's father does "somethingwith computers," his mother does "something with clients," andhis older sister, Annabelle, mows lawns at "20 bucks a pop." When hisneighbor stops by to ask Annabelle if she'd take care of her chickens whileshe's away for the weekend, Sam persuades Mrs. Kerner that he can do it. Hesoon realizes he needs a steady stream of income and thinks that maybe his ownchicken could help. He arranges with Mrs. Kerner to board his new chicken withhers in exchange for overall chicken care, and he pays his father back forHelga, who lays blue eggs, by taking a job as his elderly neighbor's exercisecompanion. Dowell creates in Sam a completely believable 7-year-old whosedesires "to be an expert on something" and to emulate his familymembers combine organically to drive this story of intergenerational (andinterspecies) friendship. His burgeoning relationship with grumpy Mr. Stockfishis as much a joy to watch as his excitement over Helga's first egg. Thefinancial lessons he learns are valuable ones, delivered painlessly in thetightly focused third-person narration. Bates' soft pencil illustrations depictSam's close-knit family as white, Mr. Stockfish and his daughter as black, andhis classmates as diverse in color. A sweet slice of neighborhood life; here'shoping for more of Sam the Man. (Fiction. 6-9) (Kirkus Reviews 6/1/16)

Sam wants to have a job, like his mother, father, and big sister. Soon he has two, both involving neighbors. First, he looks after Mrs. Kerner’s chickens. Next, he takes elderly Mr. Stockfish for walks. Sam’s interest in chickens flourishes after his father helps him buy his own hen, Helga, who lays blue eggs. Soon Sam is taking Mr. Stockfish on walks to visit her, an idea that pays off all around. His neighbor grows stronger, while taking a supportive interest in Sam and Helga. This very accessible chapter book offers a simply told, well-knit story with a multicultural cast of likable characters. The author of Dovey Coe (2000), Chicken Boy (2005), and the Phineas MacGuire series, Dowell portrays seven-year-old Sam with a quiet perception. Many readers will relate to his pride in figuring out for himself how to earn money as well as how he’d like to spend it. Well-structured, shaded pencil drawings illustrate characters and scenes with energy, perception, and gentle humor. This satisfying story sets the stage for the Sam the Man series. — Carolyn Phelan (Booklist 7/1/16)

In a warm family story, Dowell introduces Sam Graham, age seven, who wants to earn money like his older sister, Annabelle. He offers to care for a neighbor’s chickens while she’s away, opening the door for a chicken of Sam’s own, as well as a friendship with the somewhat cantankerous Mr. Stockfish, another neighbor. Dowell’s story shines in Sam’s believable and often-funny interactions with his family, community, and friends. “You really needed to use the whole roll?” Sam’s mother asks after he makes a toilet paper nest for his chicken’s first egg. “Sam nodded again. Did she really need to ask?” Final art not seen by PW.  (Publishers Weekly August 1, 2016)

Those looking for that first chapter book that might be the hook for an aspiring reader will want to take a look at this one. Sam is the only member of his family who doesn’t have a job. He is on a mission. He convinces a neighbor that he is responsible enough to care for her chickens while she is away even though he is only seven-years-old. As a result, Sam embarks on an entrepreneurial adventure, and many ancillary events occur. This is a story of siblings, family, neighbors, and generations, woven together as Sam learns about money, responsibility, and helping people. Dowell has crafted a story that has kid appeal, humor, and fun with chickens. Teachers will appreciate Sam’s initiative and the enriching vocabulary. Amy Bates’ pencil illustrations will be a valuable asset to the storyline. Readers, teachers, and school librarians looking for that special, easier chapter book will enjoy this title.  (School Library Connection 10/01/16)

Seven-year-old Sam Graham wants money, but he’s too young to have a real job. When neighbor Mrs. Kerner tries to hire Sam’s too-busy older sister to take care of her chickens for a few days, Sam rushes to do it. Soon Sam is in business: the chicken business. Once he’s made a little money chicken-sitting, he decides to get a chicken of his own, Helga, whom Mrs. Kerner agrees to let live in her coop (for a price, of course). Because Helga lays blue eggs, Sam figures it will be easy to keep them separate from the others; what he doesn’t realize is that the blue eggs are also the answer to his money problems. Helga entertains everyone, whether she is laying eggs or just learning how to fit in with the other chickens. Blackand- white illustrations, some humorous, some gentle, accompany each chapter. The short sentences and amusing situations make this a perfect read-aloud or first read-alone for young readers, whether they have a chicken or not. (The Horn Book Magazine September/October 2016)

Arriving in his second-grade classroom late after a dental appointment, Sam finds on his desk a rutabaga, his very own vegetable, assigned for a project. Sam soon warms up to “Rudy,” particularly after his sister draws a smiling face on him. Warned repeatedly that Rudy has stopped growing, Sam is happy when his rutabaga surprises everyone. Simply written, this early chapter book features well-drawn characters in believable situations. Readers who warmed to Sam, his family, and his neighbors in Sam the Man and the Chicken Plan (2016) will find the second volume in the Sam the Man series just as enjoyable as the first. — Carolyn Phelan (Booklist online December 2, 2016)

Sam the Man & the Chicken Plan

A Job for Sam

Sam Graham wanted a job.

Everyone else in his family had a job. His dad did something with computers, and his mom did something with clients, and his sister, Annabelle, who was twelve, mowed lawns.

“Twenty bucks a pop,” Annabelle said when she came home from a job, sweaty and flecked with little bits of grass. “Hard to beat.”

“What can I do for twenty bucks a pop?” Sam asked his mom.

“There aren’t many jobs for seven-year-olds,” his mom said. “I’ll give you a dollar to clean your room.”

Sam didn’t want a job that only paid one buck a pop.

Besides, his room didn’t need cleaning.

When Mrs. Kerner stopped by to see if Annabelle would take care of her chickens while she was away, Annabelle said she couldn’t do it.

“I have three lawns to mow this weekend,” she told Mrs. Kerner. “Hate to say it, but there’s no time for chickens.”

Sam raced over to Mrs. Kerner. He waved his arms in the air. “I’ll take care of your chickens!”

“You’re only seven,” Mrs. Kerner said. “Seven-year-olds don’t know the first thing about chickens.”

“I know they lay eggs,” Sam said, holding up one finger.

“I know they like to be around other chickens,” he added, holding up a second finger.

He tried to think of one more thing he had learned on the second-grade field trip to the farm.

Aha! He held up a third finger. “I know their poop is good for the garden.”

“Don’t say ‘poop,’ ” said Mrs. Kerner.

“I like the way it sounds,” said Sam.

“Still,” said Mrs. Kerner. “Still and all.”

She looked at Sam for a long time. “You know a lot about chickens. But you’re awfully small.”

“I’m bigger than a raccoon,” said Sam.

“I despise raccoons,” said Mrs. Kerner.

“Me too,” said Sam.

“Okay, then,” said Mrs. Kerner. “I think we can work together.”