Customer Reviews

Safe at Home: A Baseball Card Mystery

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Sometimes after travelling the world over, finding yourself in and out of small bookstores that have shelves so high windows seem unnecessary, you realize sometimes what you're looking for is a little closer to home, or on Long Beach Island anyway. Robert Skead, author of the children's book, Safe at Home, A Baseball Card Mystery, calls Barnegat Light his home. Skead's baseball book has just been published by Cross Training Publishing. Safe at Home tells the story of 11-year-old Trevor Mitchell. Mitchell has just received some great news -- the Babe Ruth baseball card that his greatgrandfather has just given him is worth $50,000, according to the local sports collectibles store. Trevor may not have a great understanding of the financial figure, but from the way everyone is reacting, he realizes the card is very important. What's just as important though, is the story that goes along with it -- Trevor's greatgrandfather used to play in the major leagues with "The Babe" and was supposedly the only man to ever steal home on the legend. But since there are no records to verify it, is the story true? Just as Trevor begins to wonder whether or not the story is true, trouble strikes: The card is missing! What happened? Did Trevor simply lose it or did someone with not-so-pure intentions decide to claim it? Though Trevor may be no private investigator, he certainly maps out a strategy to find out exactly what happened to the card. And maybe, just maybe, he can reconcile with the man who gave him the card, his greatgrandfather, who's more distressed that Trevor would doubt his story than what happened to the card. The story is a wonderful way for kids to get back to reading before they get back to school. The subject matter is quite interesting, and following Trevor around unravelling the mystery is fun. In addition, kids will get more than baseball facts and figures from Safe at Home. They'll also come away from the book knowing that spirituality and morality got Trevor through his crisis, no matter what the outcome, and that's a lesson no child is too young to learn. It's clear that Skead, whose short stories have appeared in Clubhouse magazine, put his heart into this book. Trevor is named for Skead's stillborn son, and the author has said that "Trevor Mitchell is the kind of boy I hoped Trevor Skead would be. Someone who is faced with problems, makes mistakes, but understands the importance of forgiveness and faith in reconciling relationships. The writing of this story helped me heal from our loss and feel connected to the son I held, but never knew." Safe at Home is dedicated to Trevor Skead. You'll be sure to find this warm tale a favorite for kids, and a great way to lure them back into the world of learning. Safe at Home has many lessons to teach.

It is getting harder and harder to find books that are both well-written and uplifting. Usually one or the other is missing. I believe this is especially true of children's books. "Safe At Home" is a wonderful exception. It was an enjoyable read. And you would have to be a very jaded person not to be touched by the message. I am looking forward to reading more of Mr. Skead's writings.

Safe At Home Robert Skead Cross Training Publishing PO Box 1541, Grand Island, NE 68802 1-887002-91-X $5.95 1-800-430-8588

Safe At Home is the heartwarming story of Trevor, an eleven year old boy whose aged great-grandfather gives him a 1915 Babe Ruth card valued at $50,000. Trevor's joy is threatened by the mysterious disappearance of the card and by his friends' skepticism about great-grandpa's claim of being the only man in baseball history to steal home off of Babe Ruth. Eventually Trevor learns some priceless lessons about friendship, truth and forgiveness. Safe At Home is an exceptionally well written, highly recommended mystery that will completely engage the interest of young readers.

In the guise of a detective story, Robert Skead's novel is about forgiveness and unconditional love. Trevor learns hard lessons which turn out to be invaluable to him throughout the story and into adulthood. Skead infuses the story with wit and a keen sense of what it's like to be young, complete with schoolyard bullies. This book should be read by anyone young or old, who wastes precious time holding grudges.

Robert Skead's debut novel effort is a touching story of forgiveness, loyalty and what's truly important in the world. "Safe at Home" is an intriguing mystery, but more than that, it is a story that all of us can relate to--disappointing the people who mean the most to us, but realizing we are more important to them than the mistake we made. The story combines wit, creativity and a slice-of-life feel to tell the story of Trevor Mitchell, a boy who loses a $50,000 baseball card. You'll never guess who did it in this twist and turn mystery. I would highly recommend this excellent book to anyone.

The write-up in my local paper piqued my curiousity about this book. It's a simple story with an emphasis on faith and family. It would make a great holiday gift and a good family read aloud.

As a true baseball fan and a kid at heart, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The author accurately portrays life's ups and downs through the eyes of a young boy, who lives through a phenomenal experience. A perfect story for kids, it has all the elements of an unforgettable adventure: loss, love, respect, value, defeat and triumph. I strongly recommend this book and hope to see more from this author.

The story of young Trevor Mitchell will touch the heart of young and old readers alike. The author has portrayed a young man who learns some of life's most important lessons the hard way but never gives up faith in what is good and right. The importance of family, honesty and kindness shines through this exciting mystery. Read it to or with your children. It will make the whole family feel good!!!

I heard about "Safe at Home" on the internet and, being a baseball card and mystery enthusiast, I was intrigued. I am 17 years old, and knew that it was really for an age group that was under my own, but I thought I would give it a try anyway. How disappointed I was! There was absolutely nothing interesting about this book. The characters were flat, the story was boring, and the mystery is non-existent. I am a Christian, and so I was not offended by the Christian rhetoric in it, but it was so unnatural it made me embarrassed for Christianity in general. I appreciated what he was trying to say, but I wished he could have done it in a less irritating fashion.

This book was not fun or suspenseful or poignant. I can't even believe it got published. I would definitely not recommend this book.

Robert Skead? Dose the name sound fimiler? Maybe, a big fan of baseball, or a character in Odyssey, or a writer. Well, your right abou all those above! To tell you the truth Robert Skead is one of Marshal Youngers best frinds, and any time they needed something to blame on a Character his name came up. Check episodes, "And the Glory" and "The Power" to hear it your self. So Robert Skead is almost like a character in Odyssey and a big fan of AIO. He is also a big fan of baseball and through that he wrote "Safe at Home" a wonderful heartwarming mystery about a stolen baseball card that is worth $50,000. A wonderful story that you will want to read over and over!