Finding Hope in Texas
2014 by
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
How do you move on in your life after a horrible tragedy? That's what Hope Kilpatrick must ask after losing her family in a horrible car accident right before Christmas. Unable to deal with the pain, she leaves the haunting memories of her New York home behind and escapes to Texas with an estranged aunt that is her only family. Still reeling from her loss and the culture shock of her new home, she must also deal with a school bully that has set her sights upon her. Hope's only solace is the quiet girl at the vacant lunch table, an eccentric history teacher, and the introverted handsome young man she meets at a Texas parade. Finding Hope in Texas deals with the tragedy of loss, the sardonic struggles of teenage life, and the sanguinity in finding a special someone that will help her discover the strength to live again.
Why read this book
- Heartwarming journey of resilience and friendship.
- Supports emotional and social development values.
- Encourages empathy and kindness in young readers.
- Engaging narrative that fosters imagination.
The Big Picture
- Explores resilience amidst adversity.
- Enhances emotional intelligence and empathy.
- Encourages community support and optimism.
- Ideal for discussing life’s tough times.
Diversity & Representation
- Features diverse characters from various cultural backgrounds.
- Promotes inclusivity and understanding through relatable storytelling.
- Encourages empathy by exploring different perspectives and challenges.
Age
0-1
Length
207 pages
Text complexity
proficient
Character Compass
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the characters faced their challenges in the story?
How do you think hope played a role in the characters' journey throughout the book?
Can you think of a time when you felt hopeful like the characters did?
What did you learn about friendship and support from the story?
If you were in the story, how would you help the characters achieve their goals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the discussion by sharing your own thoughts about the book's themes of hope and resilience.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, even if they are different from yours, to foster open communication.
Relate the situations in the book to real-life experiences your child might have had to make the conversation more relatable.
Ask your child how they might use lessons from the book in their own life, promoting real-world application of the themes.
Listen actively to your child’s responses, and offer affirmations to make them feel heard and valued during the conversation.
What parents love
Wonderfully handles emotions, very age-appropriate.
My child was captivated till the very end!
Perfect blend of fun and meaningful content.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The book portrays the main character facing and overcoming various challenges with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach difficult situations with a positive mindset and understand that they can overcome obstacles with perseverance.
Example Lesson: Importance of hope
Explanation: Throughout the story, hope is a central theme that helps the characters to navigate through tough times and envision a better future.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of fostering optimism and maintaining hope, even when faced with difficult circumstances.
Example Lesson: Building community support
Explanation: The characters in the book often rely on each other for support, demonstrating the importance of community in overcoming personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek help from those around them and understand the importance of supporting others in their community.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist learns to understand and empathize with the struggles of others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, fostering a more caring and understanding attitude towards peers.