A Friend Indeed

By Mary Short

Book Overview

The son of a champion Labrador retriever mother and a mongrel father, Pup is born the runt of his litter. Yet, despite a lesser stature, he owns a big heart and an even mightier spirit. The humans that deliver him into the world are good and caring people, especially young Katie. Pup prays the child will one day bestow upon him a royal title equal to his strength of character. But as fate would have it, youthful curiosity leads him to stray from the yard. Nameless and afraid, he suddenly finds himself lost and alone in the pine barrens of eastern Long Island (New York). In a frantic effort to find his way home, Pup travels aimlessly through the forest until he crosses paths with some unusual woodland characters who ultimately befriend him and guide him on his journey. But the road home is a dangerous one and Pup and his comrades soon find themselves standing face-to-face with evil. Assembling the greatest of their physical strengths, instincts and intelligence, they fight to survive the cruelties and ignorance that surrounds them, discovering the best of themselves and each other in the process. A Friend Indeed uses primarily animal characters to tell a very human story about the ills of prejudice and the interdependence of all life. Its messages of friendship, perseverance and faith will speak to the souls of readers young and old and leave them feeling uplifted and inspired long after finishing the book.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1585000264
• ISBN13: 9781585000265
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Authorhouse
• Length: 110 Pages
• Weight: 0.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.0" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

An Inspirational Read!

A Friend Indeed is a delightful tale of courage, friendship and hope. Its message speaks to a global audience and imparts words of wisdom that are truly uplifting. I can't wait to pass the book on to my daughter! Bravo to Ms. Short in her successful effort to share a wonderful story about life and the power of love.

Loved it!

What a pleasure! For once a story that parents can enjoy along with young adults. I can not wait for another one from this author.

A stimulating story!

This book was a gift to my nine year old who has ADD. I told him he must read one chapter daily. After the second chapter he chose to continue these daily readings with no further urging. For me this was very rewarding. I highly recommend this book for children of all ages. The messages are powerfully uplifting but written in a pleasantly entertaining way.

A Feel Good Book!

This book left me feeling very uplifted. It is a heartwarming tale of life and friendship told through the eyes of endearing animals. the author has given each animal a distinct personality and each one has valuable life lessons to share with us in a most delightful way. Sometimes forgotten traits such as integrity, loyality, character, and compassion abound in this adorable tale of adventure. This is an all inclusive look at life, with it's good and bad, done in a way that both children and adults alike will thoroughly enjoy. It left me with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart. This book would serve as a wonderful springboard to meaningful conversations of all kinds with youngsters of all ages. The story, itself, like "The Velveteen Rabbit" can be taken on several levels, and all its messages ring true. Yet, the book is anything but preachy. It is delightfully entertaining. I'm so very glad that I read it!

A Friend Indeed captures the heart and mind of the reader.

Ms Short's story of friendship, caring and the love of life finds a home in a truly inspirational book. The characters come to life on each page and the story flows from chapter to chapter. I read it in one afternoon. I intend to share this book with my fifth grade class this year, and in the years to come. Although the book is intended for the young adult audience, we older folk can benefit from the uplifting tale and reminder that we all need to be "A Friend Indeed".