Scan barcode
bookzgirl's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
kelleemoye's review
4.0
I love that Rose Brock decided to take the idea of Hope Nation and create a version for younger readers because all ages need to hear stories from those they look up. This is especially true about stories that are filled with adversity and hope. Usually with anthologies from various authors, we find ourselves liking only some of the stories and finding that others are dragging; however, with this text, I found that each story fit purposefully in the book. And because of the purposeful choices, every reader will find something in the book to connect with and will learn a little bit of something from each story.
Although I liked all the stories, I did have some favorites:
-Pablo Cartaya speaks from the heart and definitely made us cry (and clap for the young lady who inspired one of my favorite books, Each Tiny Spark);
-James Bird shows that there is hope even in the darkest of times and the power of a strong support system;
-J.C. Cervantes shared how a teacher changed everything even if the teacher nor the student realize it at the time;
-Adam Gidwitz writes about what so many of us have felt at one time or another, and we felt it deep in the gut;
-Christina Soontornvat shows what life can teach that school cannot;
-Stuart Gibbs tells the truth about adversity and absolute grief;
-Janae Marks speaks to how hopes and dreams can lead to different hopes and dreams, you just need patience;
-Gordon Korman speaks about that feeling of revision and the emotional roller coaster that come with it;
-Hena Khan speaks about what it means to feel different and to want to share a piece of ourselves with others;
-Sarah Mlynowski writes about the powerful bond of sisterhood and the feeling of being far from those we love; and
-James Ponti showed how even in middle school you can stand up for who you want to be, and the power of names and naming.
Although the diversity of stories and authors is vast and all readers will find something to connect with, I did wish there were a few more queer stories in the collection. With the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, we are particularly thinking about this topic. This could be supplemented by teachers with other essays beyond the collection.
Full review with teaching tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/18356
Although I liked all the stories, I did have some favorites:
-Pablo Cartaya speaks from the heart and definitely made us cry (and clap for the young lady who inspired one of my favorite books, Each Tiny Spark);
-James Bird shows that there is hope even in the darkest of times and the power of a strong support system;
-J.C. Cervantes shared how a teacher changed everything even if the teacher nor the student realize it at the time;
-Adam Gidwitz writes about what so many of us have felt at one time or another, and we felt it deep in the gut;
-Christina Soontornvat shows what life can teach that school cannot;
-Stuart Gibbs tells the truth about adversity and absolute grief;
-Janae Marks speaks to how hopes and dreams can lead to different hopes and dreams, you just need patience;
-Gordon Korman speaks about that feeling of revision and the emotional roller coaster that come with it;
-Hena Khan speaks about what it means to feel different and to want to share a piece of ourselves with others;
-Sarah Mlynowski writes about the powerful bond of sisterhood and the feeling of being far from those we love; and
-James Ponti showed how even in middle school you can stand up for who you want to be, and the power of names and naming.
Although the diversity of stories and authors is vast and all readers will find something to connect with, I did wish there were a few more queer stories in the collection. With the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, we are particularly thinking about this topic. This could be supplemented by teachers with other essays beyond the collection.
Full review with teaching tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/18356
zbrarian's review
5.0
This was one the best books I have read this year. Where do you find hope? You can find it anywhere…at school, at a restaurant, at home, even when you think you are at your darkest, there is always a spark that brings hope to life. So many incredible authors and their stories are included in this anthology, some that I have had the chance to listen to at author panels and at book festivals. This isn’t just a book for Middle Schoolers, it’s a book for everyone. This is one I will purchase not only for my library but for my own personal collection! Hope is everywhere…when you cannot find it, it will find you.
notinjersey's review against another edition
4.0
This book is made up of true essays that tell about times that seemed dark but even so, hope wins. The stories are about overcoming adversities such as bullying, feeling different, loss, etc. I think kids would enjoy this book and they may be familiar with some of the writers who contributed.