4.7 / 5 (15)
Sam's Roommate Disaster (Barefoot Around the World Book 1)
Buckle up for adventures in the jungles of Congo with boarding school kid, Sam! Hold on tight because 5th grade for Sam includes a run-in with a highly venomous green mamba, a runaway horse, a heart-pounding close call on his dirt bike, and an angry mama pig. His biggest challenge, however, has nothing to do with snakes or pigs. Sam’s greatest challenge is his new roommate, Jordan.
Jordan is making 5th grade impossible. He’s loud, messy, and he ignores Sam. When Sam realizes there may be more to the story, will he decide to keep his distance or give his roommate a chance?
"Giving people second chances"
"As a TCK book for TCKs, I really valued the themes around giving people second chances, and how that involves looking past the things they can't control to the character of a person and how grief might impact our openness to new things."
Elizabeth Vahey Smith
CFO TCK Training
"Filled with adventure, mischief, and friendship"
"Crazy adventures of 5th grade Sam and his roommate, Jordan, in a boarding school in Congo. Filled with adventure, mischief, and friendship, this TCK book is a great addition to the library for middle grade readers, especially boys."
Christy Carmean
Operations Manager TCK Training
"Learn the importance of giving people more than one chance"
"They'll learn the importance of giving people more than one chance - including their peers and healthy adults - as well as resilience that comes from taking risks and the mistakes we make when those risks don't turn out how we expected."
Lisse J
Book Review
ABOUT THE BOOK
When belonging feels just out of reach, friendship can be the way home.
This middle grade novel follows the journey of third culture kids navigating the tangled emotions of grief, misunderstanding, and identity in a world where home is everywhere—and nowhere.
Through heartfelt friendships and surprising second chances, Sam’s Roommate Disaster explores the healing power of empathy and the quiet strength found in acceptance.
As the characters learn to see through each other’s eyes, they discover that true connection often comes from the most unexpected places—proving that even fractured hearts can heal, and something whole can grow.
THEMES EXPLORED
Gentle truths woven through an unforgettable story.
Healthy risk-taking
Friendship with unlikely candidates
Conflict and resolution
Boarding school life
Confronting personal bias
The importance of second chances
Identity, empathy, grief, and resilience
BEHIND THE STORY
Inspired by real lives, real places, and real kids.
These real-life moments capture the spirit of the story—mud-covered adventures, unexpected friendships, and the everyday reality of growing up across cultures. From playful bow-and-arrow games to sharing meals and laughter with local mentors, each photo reflects the heart of a true TCK friendship journey- one of second chances, adventure, empathy, and growth.
FREE RESOURCE
A free preview of Anna’s middle grade novel for Third Culture Kids, exploring friendship, grief, belonging, and life at boarding school in Congo.
Follow Sam through friendship, conflict, and change
Explore themes of grief, empathy, resilience, and belonging
Discover a story of misunderstanding and second chances
.jpeg)
anna's books
Real Stories & Practical Guidance
From practical parenting support to story-led encouragement for Third Culture Kids, Anna’s books help globally mobile families navigate life across cultures with greater confidence, connection, and care.
New release
Nourished helps parents and globally mobile communities support Third Culture Kids through transition, belonging, grief, resilience, and identity, offering research-based guidance for building the relationships and support systems children need to thrive.
Available in:
Paperback • Kindle • Kindle (Reflowable Layout) • Audiobook
Study guide
A biblical companion to Nourished, this study guide helps globally mobile families explore Positive Childhood Experiences through Scripture, offering reflection questions and practical tools for nurturing Third Culture Kids with faith, resilience, and connection.
Available in:
Kindle • Audiobook
Parenting Guide
Raising a Family Overseas combines practical strategies, research, and real stories from globally mobile families to help you navigate life abroad with confidence. Whether you're preparing for your first move or have lived overseas for years, you'll discover practical tools to strengthen family connections, support your children's emotional wellbeing, and foster a lasting sense of belonging.
Available in:
Paperback • Kindle
MIDDLE GRADE NOVEL
Sam’s Roommate Disaster is a middle grade novel for Third Culture Kids that follows Sam through a year of boarding school life in Congo, where adventure, friendship, and conflict collide. As Sam navigates grief, misunderstanding, and a difficult new roommate, the story explores healthy risk-taking, second chances, empathy, and the kind of belonging that can grow in the most unexpected places.
Available in:
Paperback • Kindle
Where to Buy?
Sam's Roommate Disaster is available exclusively on Amazon. Click the link below to purchase your copy today
A fun middle grade novel about finding friendship in unlikely places as a TCK in Africa
4.7 / 5 (15)
Discover Anna’s Insights on Expat Family Life