Top New Release
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.
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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)
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