Hope Nation

Brock, Rose. 2018. HOPE NATION. New York: Philomel Books. ISBN 9781524741679

Plot Summary

In this book there are stories of grit, determination, disappointment (surviving and coping), love, hope, and so much more. Professor Rose Brock has brought together YA authors who share their stories about life changing moments: Before and After by Libba Bray to finding your true love: Love by Nicola Yoon. A book filled with stories of inspiration.

Critical Analysis

Reading Hope Nation is emotional and insightful; reading about how various authors experienced a life changing moment and coming through that moment stronger and more resilient. Ms. Brock has assembled a variety of authors who are all strong in how they write. The stories assembled will take you on a journey of reflection: how life was growing up, trying to find oneself, and believing that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself. Although each story is unique and different, the string or thread that binds them together is the theme of believing something will happen and it's up to you to make it happen. Ms. Brock found a way to encourage youth (this adult, too) during what can be considered tough growing years to see that life can be hard but it is how you respond that can make things better.

Review Excerpt(s)

Booklist (starred)-”This amazing outpouring of strength and honesty offers inspirational personal accounts for every reader who wonders what to do when everything seems impossible.”

School Library Journal-“An important and inspiring read for thoughtful teens.”

Connections

When teaching theme, ask students what are some topics they can think of. Then have them write a theme that relates to the topic. (use hope as an example if no students give this as answer)

Find 1-2 TED Talks given by authors from the book. Have students write down what they heard and learned from the talk.

Hold a discussion about the meaning of hope and what it can look like for teens. Then have students write a short reflection on experiencing hope.

The words expressed are my own and are part of a graduate studies class at Sam Houston State University.