A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese - ESSENTIAL

A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese, 305 pages. Scholastic Press (Scholastic Inc), 2019. $16.99

Language: PG (1 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The people of Cliffs Donnelly have fallen upon hard times—illness, friendships, job security, stress, family issues, you name it and someone is struggling with it. As everyone struggles with their own problems and insecurities, three sixth graders end up in the middle of it all. When these kids find a secret spot near the town’s magic wishing well, amazing things start happening and maybe everything will turn out alright.

This book is the definition of heart-warming. Readers are reminded that we all have issues, and the hope is found in reaching out; if everyone simply reaches out with the intention to help some else, then, collectively, we are able to do more than we can alone. Burdens are lighter when they are shared between family members, friends, student and teacher, neighbors, even someone sitting by themselves at lunch. While this book is geared toward a younger audience, I recommend this book to everyone.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen