Hope Springs

by Eric Walters, Eugenie Fernandes (Illustrator)

Overview

A drought has settled in the area around the orphanage where Boniface lives. There are long line-ups at the tiny spring where all the local people get their water, and suddenly the orphans are pushed to the back of the line, unwelcome. Boniface's houseparent, Henry, tells him that the people were mean out of fear--they feared there would not be enough water for their families. When the building of the orphanage's well is completed, Boniface has an idea to help the villagers. A lovely story of kindness and heart, this story shows that, through compassion and understanding, true generosity can spring from unexpected places.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781770495302
Publisher:	Tundra
Publication date:	09/09/2014
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	1,206,118
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 10.60(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

A former social worker and elementary school teacher, Eric Walters wrote his first novel, Stand Your Ground, in 1993. Since then he has written more than ninety books for children and young adults that together have won over a hundred awards. In conjunction with his writing, Eric talks to tens of thousands of students in schools and libraries across the country each year. He also founded and runs the Creation of Hope (creationofhope.com), an organization dedicated to providing care for orphans in the rural Mbooni district in Kenya. Eric has three grown children. He lives with his wife in Mississauga, Ontario.

Editorial Reviews

PRAISE FOR My Name Is Blessing:

"This expressive picture book, based on a real family, lovingly tells a hard story with a twist.
It's difficult to broach poverty, disability and custody issues in so few pages without sounding maudlin, but Walters manages by speaking simply.... With dignity and quiet acceptance, this story illustrates that blessings, like family, can take unexpected forms."
- Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews


"Lyrical language is matched by expressive acrylic illustrations that capture the emotional text."
- School Library Journal

From the Publisher

11/01/2014
Gr 1–3—Based on actual events, this story is one of strength and kindness in the face of fear. During a drought in Mbooni District, Kenya, children at the local orphanage were confronted and refused water by local villagers. Young Boniface creates understanding with his compassion and sharing of a new idea, which jump-starts a joint project between all locals and a new source of water. "When you have water, you have life." The title refers to the new well built at Kyamutuo Spring but also describes the change of heart that occurs among the villagers. Text font may be small, but the art is expressively large. A series of spreads gives readers a view of Boniface's world, adding rich colors and patterns of folk art. With the addition of the author's "Story Behind the Story," the facts of the origin of Hope Springs allow a retelling of the story through a personal narrative with the aid of photography, a map, and additional explanation. A general purchase for all libraries.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

School Library Journal

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