Hope Springs - Hardcover

Walters, Eric

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1770495304 ISBN 13: 9781770495302

Publisher: Tundra Books, 2014

Synopsis

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.

About this title

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.

From School Library Journal:

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

About this edition

• Publisher: Tundra Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1770495304
• ISBN 13: 9781770495302
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Fernandes Eugenie