Two Yellow Cabooses

This gripping story robbed me of a nights sleep. I could not put it down and go to bed.

Here we have the story of a passing train pulling two yellow cabooses which seems to symbolize a promising future, or so says the local legend.
Main charter Mickey is a middle school kid living with an invalid mom. Their funds are severely limited and they live in a rundown trailer in a low rent trailer park. They have no car and clothing is from the local Methodist mission. A dumpy trailer in a trailer park. Yet there is love in this home.

Not so much at school from students, his teachers nor the administrators who look down on the kids who they describe as having no future. At school, twelve-year-old Mickey is struggling and powerless.
Things take a turn for the better when Mickey meets Abe, a smart, resourceful and most of all caring black man and former Navy SEAL. A deep friendship develops, and Abe begins filling the fatherless void in Mickey’s life. Abe is determines to help Mickey rise above his disadvantages. This is tough in small town Alabama where the social structure is set and those of meager means mean nothing in this society. Abe in his determination to help a good boy succeed disrupts the town’s social structure, and in doing so, incites its wealthiest and most malevolent citizen.


The interactions between Abe and Mickey, were so endearing as Abe sought to fill Micky’s needs. Even though it took a long time to come, I liked the portrayal of good versus evil, and how good wins in the end.

Downside… There was a lot of fighting, and violence. Even though the bad guys started the fights, to this reader the scenes were unnecessarily violent. I think the point could have been made without the fights causing intense physical harm

I am not always sure what to expect when I read a book by an author I am not familiar with, but I got a great story out of reading Two Yellow Cabooses. Mickey Tucker has it rough in life and school. However, he finds help, and a friend, in Abe Loomis. Through his guidance, Mickey is able to grow and mature.

After the two of them met, I didn't want to stop reading. I'd find time to squeeze another chapter, or two, whenever I could. This book is thought provoking and eye opening. Abe illustrates what adults should be willing to do; set aside what time and resources they can to help children. There are many kids that need extra help in life, but cannot always get it from family.

I look forward to reading more books by Levi Bronze.

I received a free copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Two Yellow Cabooses isn't my normal genre, but the title intrigued me. Once I started reading, I could not put this book down. The characters were described so well that I felt that I felt as if we had grown up together. The locale descriptions were excellent too. As Mickey walked down the road to the pond, i could see the dust swirl with each footstep. It is a wonderful story about an unlikely friendship that changed lives. I will definitely recommend this book!