A review by jackelz
Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins

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.