Reviews

Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins

evamadera1's review

4.5

I really liked this exploration of so many things from grief due to loss of a parent, finding one's place as an immigrant, the fight over preservation versus gentrification as well as finding one's own voice. In this coming of age novel, Pandita goes through all of the above started by the loss of a special place she shared with her mother because of the sale and possible redevelopment of the property across the street. This showed the tension between the future of Silicon Valley and its current high cost of living and the possibility of affordable housing complete with the unfortunate racist baggage that often comes with it by way of other people's responses.

christygrauley's review

emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

jackelz's review

emotional informative inspiring

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

“Change is hard; I don’t like it much myself. But time moves us forward, no matter how much we hate losing things from the past.”

Twelve-year-old Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother behind. 

Like she said, change is hard, but Pandita truly embraced change and had so much character growth in this story. She’s a very likable and relatable character — she likes books and writing poems, and she’s shy. 

Pandita and her sisters made a pact not to talk about their mother, because it would be too hard for Baba. This makes dealing with grief so much harder, when you feel like you’re dealing with it alone. Pandita is worried she’s starting to forget her mother, so she clings to their special place, but she’s losing that too. 

They used to spend time on the front porch of the abandoned house across the street, but they’re tearing it down to build affordable housing. Pandita makes it her mission to save the house, and the orchard, and learns and grows so much along the way. She became quite the little activist! 

One of her sisters, Indy, is into acting, and the other, Shar, is into activism. At their encouragement, Baba enrolled Pandita in drama camp for the summer. Even though she was reluctant to get on stage, the skills she learned proved to be beneficial for her activism, and I believe brought her closer to both of her sisters, too. 

The topic of affordable housing brought up some great conversations. The book took place in 1980, but very well could’ve been today, as the topic is still sadly relevant. Working with the historical society, Pandita learns more about her small town’s not-so-nice history, and how they played a role in the “Keep California White” movement. And, still now, how the townsfolk don’t want affordable housing because it would bring undesirables to the town. 

While I loved her activism, the highlight of the book for me were the friendships. Pandita and her best friend Jemma had a falling out, but they make their way back to each other. Pandita also made a new friend in Leo, and I loved how they bonded over poetry and music. Mr. Marvin, her elderly friend at the nursing home, was also special. They talked about books and she read him her poems! There were some really great adults, and positive role models, throughout the story, that encouraged Pandita.

One part of the story that really resonated with me was Baba with The Intruder. It took me back to when I was Pandita’s age and I was trying to adjust to my father having a new woman in his life that wasn’t mother. All of the thoughts Pandita had about her, I felt them too. But I think this book opens the window for that conversation, something I wish I had more of as a kid. 

This was such a great book. It was beautiful and inspirational. There was great character development, and strong friend and family relationships. There was a history lesson with a sprinkle of Bengali culture and food. I highly recommend this one. 

ohwildesoul's review

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

chloeh24's review

hopeful relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

blogginboutbooks's review

4.0

There's a lot to like about HOPE IN THE VALLEY. Pandita is a sympathetic heroine who is on a relatable journey to find her voice. She has her struggles, but she pushes through and faces her challenges with courage, even when it's difficult. Her warm, Indian family is supportive and kind, even when not all of the members of the family agree with each other. I like how they lifted each other anyway. I also like how Pandita found inspiration and encouragement from strong females, some fictional, others real but whom I'd never heard of before. It's always fun to learn about new heroines to admire.

While I enjoyed this novel overall, it dragged for me a little here and there. There's not a ton of action in the story to keep the reader engaged. It discusses important issues, like fair housing, but I'm not sure the subject holds a lot of interest for young readers. Today's kids are also unlikely to know about the songs, tv shows, books, musicals, etc. that are mentioned in the novel. In spite of the book's likable characters and important lessons, it just doesn't have a lot of kid appeal. It's an uplifting, empowering read, yes, just not a very exciting one.

If I could, I would give this book 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.

windy_ways's review

hopeful informative reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

I liked a lot about the social and historical issues explored in the book, and Pandita and Jemma and Leo and their individual challenges. The execution did let the book down from being great, though – slow at times, not managing the multiple storylines smoothly. But overall a worthwhile read.

greenvillemelissa's review

5.0

This is a great middle grade novel. Diverse characters. Pundita is trying to keep the memory of her mother alive. She attends a summer drama camp and begins to find her voice in local politics. Her father is starting to date again and she and her older sisters are trying to deal with it. A sweet read.

katymul's review

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

There are very few flawless books out there, and most of them are middle grade. This is one such.

I mean, technically, Elsa is a singing role in The Sound of Music, at least the stage version, but that is me being a pedantic sourpuss. Forget I brought it up.

But it is proof how hard it is to please me with the portrayal of the theatrical process and a youth theatre teacher. Especially with a play I've directed myself! But this book does it. Not only do I like and respect the choices of the theatre camp, but the delicate way that it advances the plot without taking over the larger arcs is stunning.

SO MUCH happens in the story. So many characters advance so far, so many woven threads are intertwined not just through the protagonist but in a complex and beautiful web. So many different pieces end up depending on one another and the result is just...beyond beautiful.

Also, we really haven't learned anything since the 80's, have we?

mrsclarkcatlady's review

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75