Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Touching story of young teen navigating grief and change.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Rising eighth grader Pandita has a secret in HOPE IN THE VALLEY. A secret place, that is, behind an old, abandoned house where she likes to go to be alone with her thoughts and memories of her mother, who died when Pandita was very young. But her secret spot is in danger of being destroyed by developers who want to tear down the old place and put office buildings and stores in its place. To make matters worse, her dad is making her go to theater camp, where she'll have to see her ex-best friend every day. Why does everything have to change, and how can she make sure she won't forget the past when change comes?
Is It Any Good?
This is a sweet, moving story about a young teen coping with long-term grief and navigating changes in her life, her family, and her community. Hope in the Valley brings together important themes that explain the past and resonate with current events and issues. Pandita's authentic, literature-informed voice as she narrates the story will have readers rooting for her. They'll also enjoy the colorful group of characters surrounding her, learn quite a bit (especially about the affordable housing crisis in California), and have a lot of food for thought as they make their way to the touching, hopeful ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about things changing in Hope in the Valley. Why doesn't Pandita want things to change? Why is remembering the past and knowing about history important?
How does Pandita's love of words help her communication skills? How does she let others know what she's thinking and feeling?
How do characters demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? Do they get what they want? How important is that?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Farrar, Straus and Giroux
- Publication date : July 11, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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