Praise for Castaway Kid

Having been in the service of serving abandoned, behaviorally disturbed children and adolescents for 32 years, I was able to reminisce and find memories explicitly tied to this book.

The messages are accurate, profound, and direct.

The chapters relive one man’s story but the themes are multiplied by the number of kids in care from yesterday to the present and the stories are wide and varied.

There are many stories in the lives of children from both yesteryear to this present day and age. The names change and the faces are different but the broken body and mind are still evident today.

When one reads this book you become acutely aware of why behavior, emotion, identity, can go awry. All of the clinical terminology which labels children in placement existed then and still does today.

What is remarkable and I have seen it over and over is that there are those who “will” to live, who “will” to grow, who never give up.

Out of all the chaos emerges a Rob Mitchell and there are numbers upon numbers who, in spite of the many abuses and neglect, rise to become vibrant creative human beings like he has.

This is a story of one of them. And, of so many of the children I have seen rise out of their pathology and into health, I have also seen a remarkable closeness to an abiding faith.

Rob Mitchell is a man of faith.

Castaway Kid is just one of many castaway kids.

– David Carlson, MSW, LCSW

The moment I read the first page, I was crying I couldn’t put the book down … I am deeply humbled by this story. I hope it will change the lives of millions of people. It has mine.

— Brian Littrell, Recording Artist, Member of the Backstreet Boys

This is a great book that reminds me personally of God’s love. I cried real tears reading this, it is a must read.

— Dave Ramsey, New York Times Best Selling Author, The Total Money Makeover

A powerful, compelling message that points to the unimaginable grace of our Heavenly Father.

— Dan T. Cathy, President and COO, Chick-fil-A, Inc.

In an era espousing self esteem, R.B. Mitchell points out with actual experience how badly all of us need God’s help in our lives and endeavors. An important read!

— Ben Edwards, Retired Chairman, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.

This is a remarkable work of contemporary literature that quickly gets inside the readers’ head and then heart.

— Dottie Hoots, English Educator, Wesleyan Academy, High Point, NC

Castaway Kid explores the power of unconditional love and the process of forgiveness that allows hope to enter into even the most extreme life struggles.

— Barbara Winslow Robidoux, Freelance book reviewer

My husband drifted away from us. My son has been so very, very angry.
I read Castaway Kid and begged my son to read it. When he finished, he said: “I’m not
over it, but I am less angry now”
Thank you.
You reached him like nothing has ever done.

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Son less angry

We are a family of 5 boys, close, and happy.
We read Castaway Kid as a family, together, out loud. It was all I, my husband, and
5 kids could do not to cry.
And almost chapter after chapter, you opened us up to discuss things we had never
thought about.
You will be in our hearts and minds and discussions for a long time. Thank you

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Family Up

My family escaped Vietnam
My english is not good
but I felt your book
i have never felt a book in english
thank you

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Vietnamese Felt Castaway Kid

A friend gave me a copy of Castaway Kid.
I couldn’ put it down and read deep into the night until I finished.
I then gave a copy to my son, who is in prison. He said he couldn’t put it down
either.
God can change lives. God changed yours, Castaway Kid is changing others,
including my son’s.
Thank you.

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Son in Prison, Thank You

This book is amazing. I work in a school with much racial, religious, financial
and ethnic diversity. This book was the center of our summer reading program.
Rob’s life was such a great example for our children who face discrimination
that they too can be successful regardless of what others say to them.
In addition, my husband and I found things in the book we could relate to as
well. My favorite part was Rob’s argument with God.
It doesn’t matter who you are or how you were raised, you will relate to some
part of Rob’s life.
This is a book you will love and one you will want to share with everyone you
know!!
Tonya & Tom

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Racial, religious, financial diversity appeal

We chose Castaway Kid as a book for our whole school (private 6-12 independent school)
summer reading book. Our librarian and her committee chose it from a long list of
possibiities.

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We were not disappointed in the choice.
The students and adults found it a powerful and positive read. The Castaway Kid is not an
easy story but students identifed with it in powerful and significant ways. Even if they were
not orphaned, all could relate to the feelings of abandonment and isolation that seems part
of growing up.
We were doubly blessed because we convinced Mr. Mitchell to come to campus and speak
at our academic convocation and parents night.
He is a wonderful speaker and it greatly enriched our communites experience.
The whole community gave Mr. Mitchell and his story two thumbs up–way up!
Lindsey Graham, Head of School

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Great All School Book

I was blown away with your life story. It was one of the most heart breaking, and heart
warming story I have ever read. What a contribution to society you have made with
your life.
It is difficult for me to comprehend any child left at the age of three without either
parent in their life to guide them. I just know that your grandmother was so proud of
you and loved you.
I have one grandson eighteen years old and his parents divorced when he was ten,
which was very difficult for him at that age. He was fortunate to have my daughter to
raise him to where he is today. I love my grandson so much and would do anything for
him.
With God in our lives we can accomplish anything when we let him take control.
You have touched my heart with your story, and I pray that God will continue to Bless
you and your family.

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Blown Away Grandmother

Mr Mitchell has proven how God turned his life around, and has brought him
through a life of sadness as a child to a life of Peace and Joy in his adult life.
I am so humbled by his story. A shining star is now brighter.
Alice

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A shining star is now brighter

You spoke in South LA to us. I didn’t think anyone who looked like you could
speak to me. I didn’t there there was hope for someone like me.
But the way you expressed how your past life was, the way you shared it with
me and many others,Thank you.
You taught me how to change my life around.

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16 year old girl life changed, South LA

I have no adjectives to describe the thought provoking, emotional and spiritual journey
you took me on.
And I am a man changed.
I am quickly becoming less judgmental when I look at certain people, wondering now
about the wounds of their lives that they may still be struggling through, like you did.
I am spending less money on “stuff” and giving more to the needy.
And I am tyring to connect daily to God through prayer and following the example you
followed of Booker T. Washington and finding that a chapter a day in the Book of Proverbs really does speak to me as a man.
If this book doesn’t make the reader think about their own life, the reader doesn’t have a
mind.
If this book doesn’t make the reader cry or tear up somewhere in the reading, the reader
doesn”t have a heart.
And if this book doesn’t make the reader pray, the reader doesn’t have a soul.
You haven’t just touched my own mind, heart and soul, you have exposed them for their
hypocrisy. But I am a man changed and changing because of your raw honesty.
I truly hope I get to meet you someday.

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No Mind, No Heart, No Soul

I lived in Covennat Children's home for almost 2 years I still can't get records of
when I was placed there.
I have always said if I wrote a story people would never believe how a little girl
could go thru so much and come out pretty normal.
But I have also wondered how many other little girls went thru what I did and
thought they were bad or that they did something to deserve what happened to
them.
I can’t wait to save the money for a copy of this book Iam diing to read this thru
someone else eyes where I spent so much of my life. T
Thank-you and God bless
Sincerly
Sandra

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Howmany other little girls like me?

Brother Mitchell,
I want to personally thank you for sharing your story and ministry during the

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Crystal Cathedral Men’s Retreat in Thousand Pines, CA(Oct.17-19th 08).
What a heart felt story!
You are a living testament of how the power and love of God can transform, heal
and raise us up from from life’s devastating blows.
You blessed my soul and I shall never forget your encouraging words about the
importance of forgiveness.
God bless you and I know that our paths will meet again someday! Blessings,
James

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Crystal Cathedral Men Thank You

R. B. Mitchell is an engaging speaker and writer known for his story of resilience. His work inspires others facing tough circumstances, offering hope and courage through his example.